Below are the rules as defined by the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

However, the basics are highlighted below:

• Eligibility: Applies for dates of injury before 1/1/2013 OR the last date in December 2012.
• Disability: You must have settled your case with some permanent partial disability.
• Return to Work: You have not returned to work 60 days since your last TD benefits.
• Your Old Employer: Your prior employer has not offered you a return to work option.
• Benefits: Based on your Disability Rating, but can range from $4,000 to $10,000.

For Injuries Before 1/1/2013: 

Effectively BETWEEN January 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2012:

An employee injured between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2012, whose injury causes permanent partial disability and (1) who does not return to work within 60 days from termination of temporary disability benefits and (2) whose employer does not offer suitable modified or alternative work within 30 days from termination of temporary disability benefits may qualify for the supplemental job displacement benefit (SJDB). The benefit comes in the form of a non-transferable voucher that can be used to pay for educational retraining or skill enhancement, or both, at state-approved or state-accredited schools. The voucher covers school tuition, fees, books and expenses required by the school for training. No more than 10 percent of the value of the voucher can be used for vocational & return to work counseling. The amount of the voucher varies from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the level of permanent disability.

For injuries occurring between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2012, the voucher is 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.

The voucher does not expire if issued prior to Jan. 1, 2013.

The voucher can be used for training at a California public school or any other provider listed on the state’s eligible training provider list. It can also be used to pay licensing or certification and testing fees, to purchase tools required by a training course, to purchase computer equipment of up to $1,000 and to reimburse up to $500 in miscellaneous expenses. Up to 10 percent, or $600 may be used to pay for the services of a licensed placement agency or vocational counselor. No more than 10 percent of the value of the voucher can be used for vocational & return to work counseling.

Injured workers with a date of injury on or after Jan. 1, 2013 and who have received a SJDB voucher for said injury may be eligible for a one-time return-to-work supplement of $5000. All vouchers must be accompanied by a cover sheet prepared by the claims administrator containing notice of the Return-to-Work Supplement Program. Find out more at the Return-to-Work Supplement Program page.

• Chapter 8: Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits
• Want a complete version of the injured worker guidebook?