WorkSafeBC Death Benefits: Support for Families After a Workplace Death

The death of a loved one in a workplace accident or from an occupational disease is a uniquely painful experience. Beyond the grief, families are often left with immediate financial concerns — funeral costs, lost income, and an uncertain future.

WorkSafeBC provides benefits to support the families of workers whose deaths are related to a workplace injury or occupational illness. If you've lost a family member in these circumstances, here's what you should know about the support available to you.

What WorkSafeBC Covers

When a worker's death is the result of a workplace accident, occupational disease, or is related to a previously accepted WorkSafeBC claim, the following benefits may be available to the family.

Funeral and related expenses. WorkSafeBC pays for funeral and burial costs, including cremation, cemetery charges, and transportation of the remains. The amount is set by regulation and adjusted annually for inflation. No claim for funeral costs beyond the established maximum can be made — but for most families, the benefit covers a meaningful portion of the expense.

A lump sum payment to the surviving spouse. In addition to ongoing benefits, a dependent spouse or foster parent is entitled to a one-time lump sum payment (currently approximately $3,457, adjusted annually).

Monthly pension for a surviving spouse. A dependent spouse receives a monthly pension based on the deceased worker's earnings. This benefit continues for the spouse's lifetime.

Monthly benefits for dependent children. Dependent children receive monthly benefits up to age 19. Benefits may continue to age 25 if the child is regularly attending post-secondary school full time.

Benefits for other dependants. In some cases, dependent parents or other family members may also be eligible for compensation, depending on their financial relationship with the deceased worker.

Counselling support. WorkSafeBC may provide separation and loss counselling for family members — and if a family member is dying from a work-related illness, counselling, medical equipment, and home care may be available during that time as well.

Who Is Eligible

Benefits are available when a worker's death results from a workplace accident, an occupational disease, or is connected to an injury or condition for which WorkSafeBC had accepted a claim.

The key term is "dependant" — a family member who was wholly or partly dependent on the worker's earnings at the time of death. This includes spouses (including common-law partners), dependent children, and in some cases, dependent parents or other relatives.

A surviving spouse is generally eligible if they were living with the worker and the worker was contributing to their support immediately before the death. Specific rules apply to separated spouses and common-law relationships.

How to Access These Benefits

If a worker has died as a result of a workplace injury or illness, the employer is required to report the death to WorkSafeBC. Family members can also contact WorkSafeBC directly to initiate a claim or to ask questions about what benefits may be available.

• Phone: 604-231-8888 (Lower Mainland) or 1-888-967-5377 (toll-free)

• Online: worksafebc.com/en/claims/benefits-services/death-benefits

A WorkSafeBC staff member will be assigned to work with the family, helping to navigate the claims process and access available benefits.

How Your Funeral Director Can Help

At Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, we've worked with families who have lost a loved one in a workplace accident. We understand the unique circumstances involved and can help ensure that the documentation WorkSafeBC requires — invoices, receipts, and service records — is prepared properly and submitted on time.

If you're facing a sudden loss related to a workplace incident, we're here to provide clear guidance and steady support during an incredibly difficult time.