What Is the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit?
California no longer uses the former vocational-rehabilitation system for most current workers’ compensation claims. For later injury dates, the key retraining benefit is generally the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB), which has its own eligibility rules, voucher amount, deadlines and permitted uses.
- Tuition and fees at a California public school or eligible training provider.
- Licensing, certification and testing fees.
- Tools required by an approved training course.
- Computer equipment up to the DWC allowance.
- Miscellaneous expenses up to the DWC allowance.
- Vocational or return-to-work counseling within the percentage limit allowed by the voucher.
For post-2013 injuries, DWC currently lists up to $1,000 for computer equipment, up to $500 for miscellaneous expenses, and up to 10% / $600 for qualifying vocational or return-to-work counseling.
Who May Qualify for an SJDB Voucher?
A qualifying job offer generally must
- Meet the worker’s medical restrictions.
- Be expected to last at least 12 months.
- Pay at least 85% of the wages and benefits paid at the time of injury for modified or alternative work.
- Be within a reasonable commuting distance under the applicable rules.
For post-2013 injuries, the employer has a defined window after the claims administrator receives the physician’s return-to-work and voucher report to make the offer. If no qualifying offer is made, the voucher becomes due under the DWC timetable.
How Long Do I Have to Use the Voucher?
What Is the Return-to-Work Supplement Program?
Keep these documents together
- The SJDB voucher and issue date.
- The permanent-and-stationary / work-capacity report.
- Any employer offer of regular, modified or alternative work.
- Training-provider invoices, receipts and required tools/equipment records.
- RTWSP application confirmation and supporting documentation.
What Happened to the Old Vocational Rehabilitation Benefit?
California’s older vocational-rehabilitation regulations were repealed. DWC records show the former vocational-rehabilitation article was repealed in 2009, while the current workers’ compensation system uses Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits for qualifying later injuries. Workers should therefore evaluate retraining rights under the rules that apply to their actual injury date rather than assuming the former program still governs.
The California Department of Rehabilitation may provide separate vocational services to people with disabilities, but that is a different program. An SJDB voucher is a workers’ compensation benefit administered through the workers’ compensation system, not the same thing as applying for Department of Rehabilitation services.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SJDB voucher $4,000 to $10,000?
That variable schedule applies to older injuries from 2004 through 2012. For injuries on or after January 1, 2013, DWC lists a $6,000 voucher regardless of the permanent-disability rating, if the eligibility requirements are met.
Can I take the $6,000 as cash?
For injuries on or after January 1, 2013, DWC states that the voucher cannot be settled or commuted for cash. It is used for authorized retraining and related categories of expense.
Can a job offer eliminate my voucher eligibility?
A timely qualifying offer of regular, modified or alternative work can affect SJDB eligibility. The offer must satisfy the applicable wage, duration, commuting-distance and medical-restriction requirements.
Is the $5,000 RTW supplement automatic?
No. It is a separate program with its own electronic application requirements. Receiving an SJDB voucher is a key eligibility condition, but the worker still must apply and provide the required information.