How Supplemental Job Displacement Vouchers Work in Workers’ Compensation Claims:

Workplace injuries can be physically and financially debilitating. Not only can they impact a worker’s capacity to earn a living, but they can also necessitate costly treatments and rehabilitation. Fortunately, laws have been put in place to provide protections for injured workers, one of which is the concept of workers’ compensation. Among the components of this program is the Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher in California (SJDV), a unique mechanism intended to support workers who, due to their injuries, can no longer perform their pre-injury job duties. This article will provide a detailed look into how these vouchers work in the context of workers’ compensation claims.

What is a Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher?

A Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher is a form of non-monetary benefit offered to eligible workers under a workers’ compensation claim. Essentially, it is a voucher provided to assist in covering educational retraining or skill enhancement at state-approved or accredited schools if the worker is unable to return to work due to permanent work restrictions caused by the injury.

The Process of Receiving a Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher

The SJDV process kicks in after it is determined that a worker has a permanent partial disability that prevents them from returning to their former job. This determination is made by a physician and typically follows the conclusion of medical treatment for the injury.

If the employer cannot offer modified or alternative work within the worker’s restrictions, the worker may be eligible for the SJDV. The amount of the voucher varies but can be up to $6,000, as per the laws applicable up to the last update in September 2021.

It’s important to note that the voucher does not serve as a direct payment to the injured worker. Instead, it’s used to pay for educational retraining or skill enhancement programs, including tuition, fees, books, and necessary equipment. In some instances, it may also cover licensing or certification fees, examination fees, and other miscellaneous expenses related to the training or education.

Using the Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher

After receiving the voucher, the worker has the freedom to choose a state-approved or accredited school for their retraining or skill enhancement course. The fields of study can vary widely, from computer skills and graphic design to carpentry and healthcare, depending on the worker’s interests, abilities, and job market trends.

The ultimate goal of the SJDV is to provide the injured worker with new skills that can help them return to the workforce in a new capacity, making them employable despite their physical restrictions.

Conclusion

The process of dealing with workplace injuries can be stressful and challenging. However, mechanisms like the Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher serve to provide some solace and opportunity in these difficult situations. They are an essential part of the workers’ compensation system, offering injured workers a pathway to regain their earning capabilities and find fulfilling work after suffering a debilitating injury. Remember, the specific details surrounding the eligibility and usage of the SJDV may vary based on your location and the specific circumstances of your injury.To gain a comprehensive understanding of your rights and the benefits accessible to you, it is advisable to seek guidance from Laura M. Wilson & Associates Inc., a proficient team of workers’ compensation attorneys. Their expertise will ensure you receive accurate and insightful counsel.

Need More Help? Talk to the Team of Laura M. Wilson & Associates Inc.

If you have more questions regarding workplace discrimination laws in California, feel free to connect with the team of Laura M. Wilson. In addition to helping you get legal advice from an expert, we can help you return to work after a workplace injury that led to disability.

We provide various services such as SJDB Service, RTWSP Service, Expert Witness, Vocational Evaluation, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Services, and Transferable Skills Analysis.

Our vocational rehabilitation counselors will decide which services are right for you and offer a solution that helps you return to work and retain your job if you want to.

To book a one-on-one session with one of our experts, book an appointment here or call us toll-free at (800) 531-5608. Our team of experts will devote time to listening to your case and provide you with a customized solution. Get in touch today!