WorkSafeNB issued $53.2 million in performance refunds this week to hundreds of eligible employers across New Brunswick, returning surplus funds from the organization’s Accident Fund.
Employers with refunds exceeding $1,000 will receive cheques by mail in the coming days, according to WorkSafeNB. Refunds under $1,000 have been credited directly to employer accounts and will reduce 2026 assessment premiums.
The refunds stem from WorkSafeNB’s funding level of 152.9% as of Dec. 31, 2024. Under the organization’s Funding Policy, surplus funds above the 140% threshold may be returned to employers as performance refunds.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for a performance refund, employers must have paid premiums based on payroll in 2024, been active as of Oct. 31, 2025, had no amounts in judgment or with collection agencies, and met payroll reporting commitments for 2024 and 2025.
Eligible employers will receive approximately one-third of their 2024 net premiums, excluding any levies paid for safety association membership, according to WorkSafeNB.
Businesses that closed or were sold before Oct. 31, 2025 are not eligible for refunds. The performance refund follows the business rather than previous owners in sale situations, provided the company continues operating.
Stable assessment rates
WorkSafeNB recently announced the 2026 average assessment rate will remain at $1.10 per $100 of payroll, matching the organization’s lowest rate on record.
The base premium rate required to cover benefits and administration for 2026 is $1.41 per $100 of assessable payroll. A rebate of $0.31 is applied to maintain the provincial provisional average rate at $1.10, according to WorkSafeNB.
The organization’s funding level measures benefit security for injured workers by comparing Accident Fund assets to future obligations. WorkSafeNB’s board of directors targets a funding level range of 115% to 125%.
Tax implications
Performance refunds are considered taxable revenue by the Canada Revenue Agency because they represent a return of tax-deductible expenses, according to WorkSafeNB.
Employers who believe their refund was calculated incorrectly can contact WorkSafeNB’s Assessment Services. Decisions may be reviewed through the Decision Review Office within 90 days, with appeals available through the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal.
