New Pilot Vocational Program

Effective January 1, 2025, RCW 51.32.095 has been expanded to provide payment towards basic skills development to injured workers who require assistance returning to work following an industrial injury or occupational disease. This new program, Skill Enhancement Training (SET) includes funding for English as a second language (ESL), General Education Development (GED) or High School diploma, computer literacy, equipment and software, tutoring and other training that prepares an injured worker to return to gainful employment. The initial rollout is limited to GED, ESL, and necessary equipment to effectively participate. This is a pilot program, and covered benefits may expand or be limited over time.

This program is for injured workers who:

· Have an open State Fund or Self-Insurance Employer (SIE) claim

· Have an open vocational recovery, ability to work, or plan development referral

· Have funds available. Available funds equal to 25% of maximum funding available for vocational retraining plan ($5,150.67 through June 30, 2025)

· Is a willing participant

· Is not working or is working limited hours due to work restrictions

SET can be considered when:

· It will not delay vocational or claim decisions (workers may complete courses that were approved prior to referral closure or claim closure)

· Courses are provided by an approved L&I training provider

· The vocational rehabilitation consultant submits SET application and the Department’s vocational services        specialist reviews for approval decision

There are some key distinctions between SET pilot program and other established vocational programs:

· Non-cooperation will not be pursued in SET

· Training outcomes will not be considered as part of a transferrable skill recommendations

· State fund SET is paid from the Stay at Work Program and does not affect employer rates

· SIE SET is paid directly by the employer

· SET does not reduce any funds available for subsequent vocational retraining plan

SET is a return-to-work program and may not be appropriate for every worker. If you have questions about whether this program may be right for you, contact us here at Atlas Law and let us know how we can take the weight off your shoulders.