Can’t Go Back to Work After an Injury? You May Be Eligible for a Retraining Voucher
Some work injuries are so serious that going back to your old job simply isn’t possible. When that happens, California law provides a lifeline: Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB).
At Employees First Labor Law, we help injured workers not only get medical care and disability payments—but also plan for a better future. This includes making sure you claim your full right to job retraining if you qualify.
💼 What Are Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits?
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits are a type of voucher worth up to $6,000 that you can use for:
- Educational retraining or skill-building
- Tuition at approved trade schools or community colleges
- Books and supplies
- Computer equipment (up to $1,000)
- Vocational counseling (up to $600)
The voucher is non-transferable and can only be used for programs on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).
🧾 Who Qualifies for a Retraining Voucher?
To receive SJDB, you must:
- Have a work-related injury covered under California workers’ compensation
- Have permanent partial disability (PPD)
- Not be offered regular, modified, or alternative work by your employer within 60 days of your final medical report
If your employer does not offer you a suitable job, you are automatically eligible for the voucher.
⏳ When Will I Get My Voucher?
You should receive your voucher within 60 days after receiving a final disability rating if:
- You are declared Permanent and Stationary (P&S)
- You have a percentage of Permanent Disability
- Your employer fails to offer a job that meets legal standards
If your employer does offer work but it’s not truly feasible or safe, we can challenge it and still help you get your SJDB.
✅ How Much Is the SJDB Voucher Worth?
💰 What Can the $6,000 Be Used For? The voucher breaks down like this:
| Voucher Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Up to $4,000 | Tuition, fees, training, or certificate programs |
| Up to $1,000 | Computer or equipment needed for training |
| Up to $600 | Career counseling or vocational services |
| Up to $400 | Textbooks, supplies, or school-related items |
These benefits can be life-changing for injured workers ready to move on from their old job duties. voucher.
💰 Can I Get Additional Money on Top of SJDB?
Yes. If you receive a voucher for an injury from 2013 or later, you may also qualify for a Return-to-Work Supplement Program—a $5,000 payment from the state of California.
To apply, visit the DIR’s Return-to-Work Supplement Program page. Don’t wait—you only have one year from the date your voucher was issued to apply.
📉 What Happens If My Employer Offers Me Modified Work?
If your employer offers you:
- Work within your physical restrictions
- That lasts at least 12 months
- Pays at least 85% of your pre-injury wages
…then they can avoid issuing the SJDB voucher.
However, many employers try to avoid their obligations or offer unrealistic jobs. If this happens, contact us right away. We can dispute the job offer and fight for your full benefits.
🛠 How Employees First Labor Law Can Help
At EFLL, we do more than just file claims. We help you:
- Get the medical care and disability benefits you deserve
- Ensure proper permanent disability ratings
- Determine if you qualify for SJDB
- Dispute job offers that don’t comply with the law
- Secure your $6,000 voucher + $5,000 state supplement
We’ve helped thousands of workers move forward after serious injuries—and we’ll fight for you, too.
📞 Ready to Rebuild Your Future?
If your injury prevents you from going back to your job, you’re entitled to more than just a settlement—you deserve a path forward. Contact Employees First Labor Law today for a free consultation and learn how to claim your full Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits.
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