About voucher criteria and eligibility requirements:

Employees injured between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2012, with injuries that result in permanent partial disability who do not return to work for the employer within 60 days of the termination of temporary disability, may qualify for the SJDB voucher, unless the employer offers and the employee rejects, or fails to accept, modified work, lasting at least 12 months.  The benefit comes in the form of a non-transferable voucher that can be used to pay for education-related 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.

Employees injured on or after Jan. 1, 2013, with injuries that result in permanent partial disability, and whose employer does not offer other regular, modified or alternative work, may also qualify for the SJDB voucher. The offer must be made within 60 days after receipt by the claims administrator of the Physician’s Return-to-Work & Voucher Report (Form DWC-AD 10133.36) The voucher amount is $6000 for all levels of permanent disability and 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.

​

​

 

Q: When is the voucher available?

​

A: 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 must be provided within 25 calendar days fro m the issuance of the permanent partial disability award by a workers' compensation judge at the local Workers' Compensation Appeals Board district office . For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2013, the voucher is due within 20 calendar days from the expiration of time for making an offer of regular, modified, or alternative work.  The job must pay no less than 85 percent of the worker’s earnings at the time of the injury, and must be expected to last at least 12 months.

Q: What if my employer offers a modified or alternative job and I don't accept it -- can I still receive the voucher?

A: No. For injuries occurring between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2012, if the employer sends a notice of offer of modified or alternative work within 30 days of your last temporary disability (TD) payment and the offer meets certain requirements, and you don't accept the job, you're not eligible for the voucher. The offer of modified or alternative work must meet the following conditions:

• You have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job

• The job is a regular position lasting at least 12 months

• The job offers wages and compensation that are at least 85 percent of those paid to you at the time of your injury

• The job is located within reasonable commuting distance of your residence at the time of injury.

For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2013, if the employer makes an offer of regular, modified, or alternative work within 60 days after receipt by the claims administrator of the Physician’s Return-to-Work & Voucher Report and the offer meets certain requirements and you don't accept the job, you're not eligible for the voucher. The offer of modified or alternative work must meet the following conditions:

• You have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job

• The job is a regular position lasting at least 12 months

• The job offers wages and compensation that are at least 85 percent of those paid to you at the time of your injury

• The job is located within reasonable commuting distance of your residence at the time of injury.