Vocational Rehabilitation

If an injured worker is unable to return to their job of injury as a result of the injury, vocational services may be initiated. A vocational counselor may be assigned to determine if the injured worker is able to return to work and in what capacity. Options may include returning to the job of injury, working for the employer in a different position, or returning to a previous job you may have held or have appropriate skills for. In some instances, an injured worker may be entitled to benefits to retrain for a new job.

Vocational Option 1

Vocational retraining option 1 would be appropriate if an injured worker is unable to return to gainful employment and it is determined that retraining would likely result in an injured worker being able to return to gainful employment in a new career. Option 1 provides continued time-loss benefits during the retraining period, as long as the injured worker participates in their vocational plan. Vocational retraining benefits also include books, equipment such as laptop or tools, and mileage reimbursement.

Vocational Option 2

After a retraining plan is created, but before the start of a retraining program, an injured worker may opt-out of participating in the retraining program by selecting Option 2. Option 2 provides the equivalent of up to 9 months of time-loss benefits, as well as an allowance for educational expenses that can be used for up to 5 years at an accredited institution.