Training Vouchers

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A Guide for California Injured Workers

Introduction
New rules for workers' compensation have replaced traditional educational benefits with a new training voucher system, which has caused confusion for many injured workers. Inside, you will find simple answers to the most common questions about the voucher system and tips about maximizing the value of your benefits.

If you have a Voucher and need immediate assistance call (619) 476-7409 or (619)401-4011 or Click here for Voucher Services.

Workers' Compensation Basics

What Is Workers' Compensation?
Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides special benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. In general, an employee with a work-related illness or injury can get workers' compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault- the employee, the employer, a co-worker, a customer, or some other third party. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, employees usually do not have the right to sue the employer in court damages for those injuries.

Workers’ compensation benefits and conditions for eligibility differ from state to state.  In California, an injured worker may be eligible for one or more of the following:

• Medical Benefits: No-cost medical treatment for all medical care related to the injury.

• Disability Benefits: Partial replacement of wages lost due to the injury.  If the injured person is able to return to the workforce, he/she will receive temporary disability benefits.  If he/she is unable to return to the workforce, he/she may be eligible for permanent disability benefits.

• Death Benefits: If the injury is fatal, the burial expenses may be covered by workers’ compensation (up to $5,000) and payments may be made to relatives for a period of time.

• Vocational Rehabilitation: If an injured worker is unable to perform his/her previous job, he/she may receive no-cost career retraining and job assistance (otherwise called “vocational rehabilitation”).  For persons injured before January 1, 2004, full services will be provided, including the services of a rehabilitation counselor who will help the worker plan the retraining and find employment.  For persons injured on or after January 1, 2004, this benefit is provided in the form of a retraining voucher worth up to $10,000 (often called a “supplemental job displacement benefit”).  Unlike traditional vocational rehabilitation, the voucher program often requires the injured person to seek out a career, school and job on his/her own.

What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational Rehabilitation is a benefit that covers the costs of career training, guidance and job assistance. If you were injured on or after January 1, 2004, this benefit consists of a voucher that you redeem at the school of your choice for retraining. To qualify, your doctor must determine that you are a Qualified Injured Worker (QIW), which means you are permanently unable to work in the same job you had when you were injured.

How a Voucher Works

What Is A Retraining Voucher ("Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit")?
Summary- A retraining voucher, or "Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit," is a workers' compensation benefit that helps injured workers cover the cost of training for a new career.

History- Prior to January 1, 2004, an injured worker deemed unable to return to work was given a vocational rehabilitation benefit of $16,000. This money was used to cover the cost of a special counselor who assisted with the retraining process, the cost of a retraining program at an approved school, and weekly allowance (VRMA) to help with living expenses while the injured worker trained to become re-employed.

For workers injured on or after January 1, 2004, these benefits are no longer in effect. Instead, the injured worker is supplied with a voucher (or "Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit") that can be used to cover the cost of training at an approved school. The voucher entitles the holder to as little as $4000 worth of education or as much as $10,000. A small portion of this amount (up to 10%) can also be used to obtain the services of a vocational rehabilitation counselor (see "Do I Need a Rehabilitation Counselor?)

Difficulties- Unlike traditional vocational rehabilitation, the voucher program often requires injured persons to seek out careers, schools and jobs on their own. This lack of formal guidance has made the retraining process difficult for many injured workers. To ease this difficulty, injured workers may consult vocational rehabilitation counselors or seek career guidance and job assistance through the education providers they have chosen.

Am I Eligible For A Retraining Voucher?
To find out whether you are eligible for a retraining voucher, determine if these statements apply to you:

1. My injury occurred on the job or during a job-related activity.

2. My injury occurred on or after January 1, 2004.

3. I am permanently unable to do my former job, but am able to do other jobs not offered by my previous employer (this is called “permanent partial disability”).

4. I have not received a “Notice of Offer of Modified or Alternative Work” (Form DWC-AD 10133.53) from my claims administrator at the insurance company.

If all of these statements are applicable to you, you are probably eligible for the retraining voucher. However, if any of these statements so not apply, you may not be eligible.

When Will I Receive My Voucher?
If you are eligible for the voucher and you have not settled your eligibility (see "How Do I Settle My Voucher?"), you will receive the voucher from the insurance company within 25 calendar days from the date your disability award is issued by the Workers' Compensation Judge.

I Have My Voucher: What Now?
Your voucher may be used to pay for the training program of your choice from any state approved or accredited school. It covers tuition fees, books, and any other expenses required for the program. In most cases, the funding goes directly to the school and you pay nothing. However, if you prefer, you may pay on your own and receive reimbursement at a later time.

Here is how it works:

Step 1) Choose an occupation with physical demands that will be appropriate for you (for help with this step, you may call the Voucher Information Hotline.)

Step 2) Contact an approved school that offers training for the occupation you have selected (see How Do I Choose a School?")

Step 3) Fill out, sign the voucher form, and fax/mail it to the school to begin your enrollment.

How Do I Fill Out The Voucher?
When you receive the voucher, you will need to ensure that all necessary blanks have been completed. Specifically:

• The claims administrator at the insurance company should have completed lines 1-8. You are then responsible for completing lines 9-19.

• Lines 9-12 must be completed when using a Vocational Return to Work Counselor (or VRTWC. See "Do I Need a Rehabilitation Counselor?" If you are not consulting a counselor, you do not need to complete lines 9-12.

• The school you select for training will assist you in completing lines 13-19 on the voucher.

• When you have completed the voucher, you must sign and date it before sending it back to the school or, if you are seeking reimbursement, to the claims administrator. If you have already paid and are seeking reimbursement through the voucher, you must also attach any receipts or invoices when submitting the voucher to your insurer (payment should arrive within 45 days).

For additional Voucher Information call at (619)476-7409 or (619)401-4011.

How Much Is My Voucher Worth?
The amount of your voucher is determined by a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge or by the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. They will review your case and give you an award rating. Based on the final rating they give, your voucher can be as high as the amounts indicated in the table below:

Disability Rating         Voucher Amount
Less than 15%            $ 4,000
15% - 25%                 $ 6,000
26% - 49%                 $ 8,000
50% - 99%                 $ 10,000

Note: The voucher itself is not a cash benefit and has no monetary value. It can be used to receive education and career counseling.

What Is Covered By My Voucher?
The Voucher is designed to cover all costs required for your retraining (up to your maximum amount). This includes:

• Tuition for courses and/or skill enhancement.

• Fees and Taxes.

• Books and Materials.

• Computers (if necessary for the program you have chosen).

• Vocational Counseling Services (up to 10% of the voucher amount).

• Shipping Fees (for distance learning courses).

Some insurers may restrict coverage of certain items if they are not deemed necessary for the training program you have chosen. If you are unsure, contact your school or your insurer for assistance.

What If The Voucher Amount Is Not Enough?
If your voucher amount is not high enough to cover the program you have selected, you may consider the following options:

• You may qualify for additional assistance through the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). Some schools will allow you to combine these benefits with your voucher in order to cover excess costs. You may call the Voucher Information Hotline for more information about DOR eligibility.

• Student Loans - Ask your chosen school about student loan and payment plan options.

How Long Is My Voucher Valid? Does It Expire?
Once it is received, the voucher is a permanent entitlement and has no expiration date. It remains open for use until all funds have been spent.

How Do I "Settle" My Voucher?
The voucher, unlike some other workers' compensation benefits, is not a cash benefit. However, under some circumstances an attorney can help you settle your rights to the voucher for a lump sum cash payment. This payment may not be equal to the full voucher amount and must be reviewed and approved by a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge.

Keep in mind that, in the end, a cash settlement is less beneficial than using your voucher for career retraining. By helping you obtain the skills and education necessary to re-enter the workforce, the voucher provides a genuine long-term solution. In contrast, a cash settlement by itself cannot offer a long-term solution for your career.

Will I Receive Help With Living Expenses During My Retraining? (Will I Still Receive a VRMA?)
Living expenses - including the Vocational Rehabilitation Maintenance Allowance (VRMA) - are not covered by the training voucher and are therefore unavailable to those injured on or after January 1, 2004.

Career and Education Options

Do I Need To Receive The Voucher Before Beginning My Training?
No. If you prefer, you may pay your educational expenses up-front and submit your receipts and enrollment information to your insurer for reimbursement. Contact your claims administrator at the insurance company for more information about timing and coverage limitations.

Do I Need A Rehabilitation Counselor?
If you are unsure about the kinds of occupations you are likely to succeed in, it is recommended that you use the services of a Qualified Rehabilitation Counselor.

A Rehabilitation Counselor can provide many valuable services to help you with your retraining, including:

1. Expert advice about the careers you are interested in.

2. Assessment testing to help you select an occupation that will be appropriate for your skills and physical challenges.

3. Assistance with finding and securing a job upon the completion of your retraining.

4. Assistance getting through the Workers' Compensation voucher system.

The Counselor will collect up to 10% of your voucher amount as a fee for his/her services, leaving 90% of the voucher funds still available for educational expenses. Although the services of a counselor are often recommended, they are not mandatory.

For additional Voucher Information call at (619)476-7409 or (619)401-4011.

The Learning Source is approved by the California Department of Real Estate.

Please Call for Class Schedules 619-401-4011.

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