The final day a worker gets temporary disability benefits can be the last day income comes in if a worker does not learn to work a new job. Californians can get a voucher to help pay for education or training that can help them return to work.

The workers' compensation voucher is called a supplemental job displacement benefit (SJDB) voucher.

1. Talk to the employer about work that can get done. Agree with the employer to work out a new work plan. One that has shorter hours or different responsiblities that can be handled. A change in the work location, or a new chair, also can make going back to work for the same employer possible.

A worker that never fully recovers from an injury or an illness can get a job at a workplace that can use the abilities and skills they do have. A job they can not do using their body and thinking, they can do using their knowledge and experience.

If the employer is not able to offer modified work or alternative work within 60 days after the final payment for temporary disability, the permanent partial disability has stopped a return to work.

First, get a voucher. Then, make plans to learn new work abilities.

2. Start a case with the workers' compensation appeals board (WCAB). And win a disaiblity award.

Talk to an Information & Assistance officer at the California Division of Workers' Compensation. The officer will help file the case.

3. Decide on how to settle the employer's liability for paying for training or education that teachers a worker enough to return to work. A board judge can order the return to work payments as part of the award. Workers and employers just need to settle on payment and an amount.

When the liability is settled, the employer fulfills their responsibility to pay for the costs of learning to work a new job. The worker does not have to go through all the paperwork needed to get a voucher.

If a settlement can not be made, ask the judge for a voucher.

4. Receive the voucher. The voucher will come within 25 days after the date the appeals judge hands down the award.

5. Choose an accredited school. Simply make the choice. There is a list of accredited schools at www.bppe.ca.gov/.

Or, ask a vocational return to work counselor to help with the school choice. Use a list to find the counselor. A list is available at a DWC website, www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/SJDB.

6. Attend education or training and learn enough to change the work done for a job. Use the full voucher amount.

Source:

California Division of Workers' Compensation, Step by Step for the SJDB Voucher.