Employment Incentives Program
Nova Scotia employers who bring an injured worker back to work through WCB can get wage support and money for changes to the workplace. The wage support is a forgivable loan paid in decreasing amounts over the contract period, not a grant. You must design the plan together with a WCB Case Manager.
Before you spend any money
You must contact WCB to arrange a meeting and co-design the contract before hiring or spending on modifications.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are a Nova Scotia employer ready to train a worker returning from an injury.
- You want help with wages during training and protection from rising WCB rates.
- You need funding for specific improvements like ramps or adaptive tech for that worker.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not based in Nova Scotia.
- You are hiring a new employee with no injury history.
- You want a simple grant without working directly with a WCB Case Manager.
How much you'd realistically get
Variable: wage assistance is a forgivable loan paid in decreasing amounts over the contract period; exact amounts are set per contract, so confirm with your WCB Case Manager.
What may be supported
- Hiring and training a worker returning from injury.
- Purchasing ergonomic equipment like adjustable desks or standing mats.
- Installing accessibility features such as ramps or adaptive technology.
- Covering wages during the on-the-job training period via a forgivable loan.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must coordinate with a WCB Case Manager to design the contract, match a worker, and potentially arrange workplace modifications.
- 01Contact WCB Nova Scotia at 1-800-870-3331 or info@wcb.ns.ca to arrange a no-obligation meeting.
- 02Discuss your business needs with a WCB Case Manager to identify a matching worker in recovery.
- 03Co-design an EIP contract that specifies the wage support, equipment needs, and contract length.
- 04Hire the worker and implement the agreed-upon workplace modifications or training plan.
- 05Receive the forgivable wage loan payments in decreasing amounts over the contract period as specified.
Who to ask: Toll-free: 1-800-870-3331; Email: info@wcb.ns.ca; Website: wcb.ns.ca. Offices: Halifax/Dartmouth: 137 Venture Run, Suite 200, Dartmouth, NS B3B 0L9; Sydney: 404 Charlotte Street, Suite 101, Sydney, NS B1P 1E2.
Documents commonly required
- Business registration details for Nova Scotia employers.
- Job description and training plan for the returning worker.
- Quotes or estimates for any requested workplace modifications or adaptive technology.
- Co-designed EIP contract signed with the WCB Case Manager.
What to know before you count on it
- The wage assistance is structured as a forgivable loan, not a direct grant, and payments decrease over the contract period.
- The official page does not list dollar amounts, percentages or the payment schedule. Ask your WCB Case Manager before you sign the contract.
- The program requires a co-designed contract with a WCB Case Manager, meaning you cannot simply apply online and start hiring immediately.
- Funding is tied to a specific worker's recovery goals and experience, so you must work with WCB to match the right candidate.
What are your odds?
Eligibility depends on having a suitable role for a returning worker and on WCB approval. Funding depends on the contract you design with WCB.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay the worker first and get reimbursed?
The wage assistance is a forgivable loan paid in decreasing amounts over the contract period. Ask your WCB Case Manager when each payment is made.
What specific modifications are covered?
The program funds ergonomic and accessibility improvements such as standing mats, adjustable desks, ergonomic seating, ramps, and adaptive technology.
How long does the contract last?
The official page does not list a minimum or maximum contract length. You set it with your WCB Case Manager when you design the contract.
Is the wage assistance taxable?
The official program page does not state the tax implications. Ask your accountant whether the forgivable loan is considered taxable income for your business.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Accessibility
Grants for ramps, doors and washrooms may help pay for accessibility improvements.
Funding for Training
Grants to help you train staff and adopt new digital tools.
Funding for Tourism
Grants and loans that may help pay for visitor marketing and online booking.
Funding for Storefronts and Facades
Grants and loans that may help pay for storefront and facade work.
What you can combine it with
This program provides injury cost protection and wage support; check with your accountant if this interacts with other provincial wage subsidies.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.