Can Vocational Rehabilitation Be Incorporated in My Workers’ Comp Claim?

 Posted on March 26, 2025 in Types of Benefits

If you get injured at work, it can leave you facing challenges beyond medical recovery alone. If your injuries are temporary, you can return to your previous role once you are healed. However, if you suffer permanent impairments, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to continue doing your former job. Fortunately, California’s workers’ compensation system offers valuable support through vocational rehabilitation programs, which can help injured employees transition to new roles suited to their limitations. If this is something you need to pursue, speak with a knowledgeable California workers’ compensation lawyer to learn more.

What is Vocational Rehabilitation?

Vocational rehabilitation is a way to help workers who suffer from permanent disabilities that make it impossible for them to return to their previous occupations. Through this program, workers can receive training and resources to help them develop skills for a new job, often in a different field that accommodates their physical or mental limitations.

If your injury has left you with long-term impairments, vocational rehabilitation can make a significant impact on your ability to support yourself and regain financial independence in your new reality.

What Is a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) Voucher?

A key component of California’s vocational rehabilitation program is the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB). If you are left with a permanent partial disability after a workplace injury, you might qualify for this benefit. The SJDB provides a voucher of up to $6,000, which can be used for various training and rehabilitation expenses.

The voucher can be used for:

• Job training programs
• Vocational counseling
• Computer equipment
• Licensing expenses
• Miscellaneous expenses: Up to $500 can be used for other costs that arise during the retraining process.

Who Is Eligible for SJDB?

There are specific criteria that you must meet to qualify for the SJDB voucher. One key requirement is that you have not received an offer for modified work from your employer that meets certain conditions. If your employer offers you a position that you can fill regardless of your new physical limitations, pays at least 85% of your prior wages, and lasts for at least one year, you may not qualify for the voucher.

If you have not received any qualifying offer within 60 days of your claims administrator receiving your return-to-work report from your doctor, you can receive the SJDB voucher.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Santa Clara County, CA Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Despite the valuable benefits available, many Californians are not fully aware of the support they are entitled to and even when they qualify for an SJDB voucher, many do not use the full amount. If you are trying to navigate how to continue working and supporting yourself financially after being permanently disabled by a workplace injury, let an experienced Gilroy, CA workers' compensation attorney help ensure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.

At Cramer + Martinez, we are dedicated to ensuring you get the support you deserve and will fight tirelessly for you to make that happen. Call us at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation today.