Car insurance is something we hope never to use but are grateful to have when needed. If you’re injured in a car accident in Ontario, you may be eligible for various accident benefits under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).
Whether you’re a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, you can access medical, rehabilitation, and income replacement benefits even if you don’t have your own insurance.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your car insurer of your intent to apply for benefits within seven days of the accident, unless your injuries prevent you from doing so. After you contact them, an adjuster will send you a package of Ontario Claim Forms (OCF) that you’ll need to fill out to receive your benefits. It may take a week or two for these forms to arrive by mail.
Fill Out Your Accident Benefit Forms
To ensure that your therapy is covered, complete the OCF forms as soon as possible, especially if you’re unable to work and need income replacement benefits. Links to these forms are available in this blog post for quicker access.
The forms are standardized and available on The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) website. If you’re seeing a doctor or physiotherapist before receiving the forms, print them and bring them along. It’s best to complete these forms within a week after the accident to avoid delays in your benefits.
The number of forms may seem overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, but not all sections require your input. If you have concerns about completing the forms correctly, reach out to an experienced lawyer at Car Accident Lawyers Toronto for a free consultation. We can assist with any questions and inform you of your rights, including the possibility of a tort claim.
Which Forms Are Required for Accident Benefits?
To apply for benefits, you must complete specific OCF forms:
- OCF-1: Application for Accident Benefits
This crucial form requires your personal details, accident specifics, work status, and other relevant information. It must be fully completed and returned within 30 days. - OCF-2: Employer’s Confirmation
If your injuries prevent you from working for more than a week, fill out the first part of this form and have your employer complete the rest. This form is not necessary if you return to work within a week. - OCF-10: Election of Income Replacement, Non-Earner, or Caregiver Benefit
Consider your options carefully before submitting this form, as it determines the type of benefits you receive. Changing your selection is not allowed unless later deemed catastrophic. - OCF-3: Disability Certificate
While you’ll complete part of this form, your healthcare provider will fill out the majority, detailing your injuries, limitations, and expected recovery time. - OCF-5: Permission to Disclose Health Information
This form allows healthcare providers to share your medical information with your insurer. - OCF-6: Expenses Claim Form
Use this form to claim reimbursement for accident-related expenses like damaged clothing, dental repairs, prescriptions, and ambulance fees. Attach itemized receipts for all claims. - OCF-23: Treatment Confirmation Form
Completed by your treatment provider, this form confirms your treatment plan with the insurer. - OCF-18: Treatment and Assessment Plan
For injuries beyond soft tissue damage, such as fractures or concussions, have your provider complete this form instead of an OCF-23.
We’re Here to Help
Returning your completed OCF forms promptly and accurately helps ensure that you receive your benefits without delay. Incomplete or late applications can result in denials or delays.
If you have questions about the forms, believe your claim has been unfairly delayed or denied, or want to know more about your legal rights following an accident, contact the knowledgeable team at Car Accident Lawyers Toronto for a free consultation.
