The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide essential financial support, along with other kinds of assistance, to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
The supplemental job displacement benefit (SJDB) is one of the lesser-known forms of assistance injured workers can receive. When a complete recovery from an on-the-job injury or illness isn’t possible, SJDBs can provide new hope – and a chance to learn new skills – for workers who want to return to work, even if they can no longer go back to their old professions.
The key features of supplemental job displacement benefits
The supplemental job displacement benefit is a unique provision within California’s workers’ comp system, in line with this state’s commitment to look after its workers’ health and overall well-being. The SJDB benefit is a voucher, valued at $6,000, that can be used to pursue educational and vocational retraining, skill development in various trades and job placement services.
To be eligible for this benefit:
- A worker must have a permanent partial disability as determined by their workers’ comp physician or a qualified medical examiner.
- The worker’s employer does not offer the worker work (whether modified, an alternative position or regular) within 60 days from the point the claims administrator receives the Physician’s Return-to-Work & Voucher Report.
The claims administrator must offer you the voucher within 20 days after the employer’s chance to offer you work has expired. The voucher can be used at any California public school or with any employment training resource listed on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List.
The voucher doesn’t just provide funds for educational instruction. Of the $6,000, $1,000 can be used to purchase computer equipment, $500 can go to miscellaneous expenses and $600 can be used to hire a vocational counselor, a return-to-work counselor, a licensed job placement agency or for professional resume preparation.
If you’ve suffered permanent injuries due to an on-the-job accident or a work-related illness, you’ll want to make the most of your workers’ compensation benefits. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help you make sure that you don’t miss out