Additional Funds and Benefits for Injured Workers
Injured Workers can be eligible for $4,000 to $10,000 in addition to settlement funds and other benefits, in California.
Workers who are injured on the job are entitled to special benefits under California law.
One benefit, which often goes unclaimed, is $4,000 to $10,000 in funds, which can be used for:
- learning skills that would benefit you
- buying equipment such as laptop computers to assist with what you learn
- paying a vocational counselor to process your claim and to help find training options that meet State guidelines
The additional funds come to you as a "training voucher." This voucher is a "Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit."
- For injuries in 2013 and later, training funds amount to $6,000, regardless of your disability rating.
- For injuries before 2013, training funds range from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the injury and the disability.
When are you eligible for the voucher?
- For injuries in 2013 and later, the voucher is due 60 days after a treating doctor, agreed medical evaluator, or qualified medical evaluator declares the injured worker permanent and stationary, and issues a report outlining the worker’s work capacities, if the employer does not offer the worker a job. The job must pay no less than 85 percent of the worker’s earnings at the time of the injury, and must be expected to last at least 12 months.
- For injuries before 2013, the voucher is supposed to be offered to an injured worker when his or her PD level has been determined, either by way of an agreement between the worker and the employer or insurance company, or by way of an award by a workers’ compensation judge, according to Calfornia's Department of Industrial Relations.
Examples of how you can use the training voucher:
- In-home computer training designed to accomodate the work/family demands of the injured worker.
- Online academic and vocational courses that offer flexibility and self-paced curriculum.
- Classroom training that includes internships and "hands on" learning environments.
- Academic programs leading to college degrees and certificates.
- Programs that include supplies and equipment (computers, hand tools, power tools)
- Vocational / technical programs that lead to qualification for licensing by governmental agencies (medical, construction, real estate, security, education)
How can I claim the voucher benefit?
- We are vocational counselors who specialize in helping injured workers to claim their benefits. Please contact us for further information.