VC·Lawyers®

Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (2026 Edition)

Your Essential Guide to SABS in Ontario

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, you are entitled to Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS)—regardless of who was at fault. These benefits are the lifeline that funds your medical recovery and replaces lost income. However, navigating the 2026 insurance reforms requires precision. At VC Lawyers, we ensure you don’t leave essential funding on the table.

What are SABS

What are Statutory Accident Benefits?

SABS are mandatory benefits included in every Ontario auto insurance policy. They are designed to provide immediate financial and medical support following an accident. Because Ontario uses a “No-Fault” system, you apply for these benefits through your own insurance company, even if the other driver caused the crash.

“The SABS system is designed to be a safety net, but for many, it feels like a maze. Our job is to cut through the red tape so you can focus on healing.” — Avi Vaturi, Partner

Funding tiers

How Much Funding is Available?

In 2026, the amount of medical and rehabilitation funding you can access depends on the “Classification” of your injury:

  1. Minor Injury Guideline (MIG)

    Covers strains, sprains, and whiplash. Funding is typically capped at $3,500.
  2. Non-Catastrophic Injuries

    Covers more serious fractures or psychological trauma. Funding is capped at $65,000 for up to 5 years.
  3. Catastrophic Impairment (CAT)

    Covers life-altering injuries such as brain damage or paralysis. Funding provides up to $1,000,000 for life.
Is your injury misclassified? Get an Evaluation →

Essential benefits

More Than Just Medical Bills

The SABS schedule covers a wide range of expenses that many victims overlook:

  1. Income Replacement Benefits (IRB)

    Up to $400 per week (or more if you purchased optional coverage) if you cannot work.
  2. Non-Earner Benefits

    For students or retirees who cannot carry on a normal life.
  3. Attendant Care Benefits

    Funding for someone to help you with personal grooming, dressing, or bathing.
  4. Housekeeping & Home Maintenance

    (For Catastrophic cases) Funding for cleaning, snow removal, and lawn care.
  5. Death & Funeral Benefits

    Financial support for grieving families.

Critical deadlines

4 Critical Deadlines You Cannot Miss

Missing a deadline can result in a permanent denial of benefits.

You must notify your insurance company of the accident.
7 Days

You must notify your insurance company of the accident.

You must submit the completed OCF-1 (Application for Accident Benefits).
30 Days

You must submit the completed OCF-1 (Application for Accident Benefits).

If your insurer requests a medical examination (IE), you must respond within 10 business days.
10 Days

If your insurer requests a medical examination (IE), you must respond within 10 business days.

If your benefits are denied, you generally have two years to dispute the decision through the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).
2 Years

If your benefits are denied, you generally have two years to dispute the decision through the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).

Why hire a lawyer

Don’t Let the Insurer Decide Your Future

Insurance adjusters are often under pressure to keep claims within the “Minor Injury” cap. At VC Lawyers, we use a data-driven approach to fight for higher classifications:

  1. Expert Medical Network

    We connect you with top Ontario specialists to provide the evidence needed to move you out of the MIG.
  2. Digital Evidence

    We utilize 2026 forensic tools and Vision Zero data to demonstrate the severity of the impact.
  3. LAT Advocacy

    If your benefits are cut off, we represent you at the Licence Appeal Tribunal to restore your funding.

Take the next step

Maximize Your Recovery Today

The SABS application is the foundation of your entire legal case. Don’t fill it out alone. Let our Toronto experts review your OCF forms for free to ensure your rights are protected from day one. Call (416) 661-4529— Available 24/7.

Toronto Office

Vaturi & Cho LLP

1110 Finch Ave W #310
North York, ON M3J 2T2
info@vclawyers.ca

Related Resources

Continue exploring