Decades of Workers' Compensation Experience in the Central Valley
If you were so severely injured that you can no longer work in the same job as before, California’s workers’ compensation system may provide compensation to help you work in a new job.
Below, the Bakersfield workers’ compensation lawyers at Berry, Smith & Bartell discuss these benefits, including what they can be used for. You can discuss this issue in more detail in a free consultation.
Supplemental job displacement benefits are vouchers that help you pay for training at schools that are eligible to receive this benefit. The claims administrator handling your claim must offer you this type of benefit if:
The state maintains an Eligible Training Provider List where you can use the voucher. Alternatively, you can use the voucher by attending a California public school. You can check the Division of Workers’ Compensation website to see a list of qualified vocational and return-to-work counselors.
The voucher can be for as much as $6,000 and can pay for retraining expenses, advancing your skills or helping you become qualified for a new position. The money can be used for the following expenses:
To use the voucher, present it to the school or counselor you select. This person can then get in touch with the claims administrator to obtain a direct payment. Alternatively, you can purchase what you need and then submit receipts for these payments to the administrator for reimbursement.
You have two years from the date the voucher is issued to you or five years from the date of your work-related injury, whichever date comes later.
California has an additional program that can help injured workers who are unable to return to their original job. The return-to-work supplement program provides cash for injured workers who have received a job displacement benefit and are receiving much less in disability benefits compared to what they made at their old job.
Injured workers can apply for this additional benefit that is currently $5,000. The deadline is typically one year from the date you received your supplemental job displacement voucher.
If you were injured at work, the workers’ compensation lawyers at Berry, Smith & Bartell may be able to help you pursue benefits. This includes filing an appeal if your claim is unfairly denied.
Because our lawyers do not receive any payment for their services unless you recover compensation for your claim, there is no financial risk in contacting us to learn more about your rights. The consultation is free of charge and there is no obligation to take legal action.For a free case evaluation with Berry, Smith & Bartell, a Professional Law Corporation call 1-800-848-6288 today!
Decades of Workers' Compensation Experience in the Central Valley