Are you a student who has suffered a personal injury? You may be entitled to Non-earner Benefits!

Many students dedicate their time to their studies and cannot work, therefore they fall under the category of a non-earner.

According to Insurance (Vehicle) Act, non-earner benefits are benefits available to motor vehicle accident victims who are unemployed or not working prior to the accident, such as students. They are entitled to a fixed benefit of $185.00 per week for a maximum of two years.

The insurer shall pay a non-earner benefit to an insured person who sustains an impairment as a result of an accident if the insured person satisfies any of the following conditions:

1. The person suffers a complete inability to carry on a normal life as a result of and within 104 weeks after the accident and does not qualify for an income replacement benefit.
2. The insured person suffers a complete inability to carry on a normal life as a result of and within 104 weeks after the accident and,

1. was enrolled on a full-time basis in elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education at the time of the accident, or
2. completed his or her education less than one year before the accident and was neither employed nor a self-employed person after completing his or her education and before the accident, in a capacity that reflected his or her education and training.

The insurer is not required to pay a non-earner benefit:

1. for the first four weeks after the onset of the complete inability to carry on a normal life
2. before the insured person is 18 years of age;
3. for more than 104 weeks after the accident; or
4. if the insured person is eligible to receive and has elected under section 35 to receive either an income replacement benefit or a caregiver benefit under this Part.