Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
After a Work Injury in California
️ Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits in California Workers’ Compensation
Can’t Return to Your Old Job After a Work Injury?
You Have Options.
If you were seriously injured at work and can’t return to your usual job, California law may entitle you to vocational rehabilitation benefits — including job retraining, education, and financial support to start a new career.
At Employees First Labor Law, we help injured workers access everything they’re entitled to — including Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB) and other retraining support.
If your employer or insurance company isn’t giving you straight answers, we will.
What Are Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits?
In California, vocational rehabilitation is provided through a program called the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit — or SJDB voucher. This benefit is available to workers who:
- Suffered a permanent work-related injury
- Cannot return to their old job
- Were not offered alternate or modified work by their employer
If you qualify, you’ll receive a non-transferable voucher worth up to $6,000 that can be used for:
- Education and training at accredited schools
- Career counseling or job placement services
- Licensing and certification fees
- Computers and equipment required for retraining
Who Qualifies for an SJDB Voucher?
You may qualify if:
Your doctor has declared you to have permanent work restrictions
Your employer does not offer you work that fits those restrictions within 60 days of receiving the report
Your injury is dated 2004 or later (under current law)
If you think you qualify and your employer or insurer hasn’t provided your voucher, that’s a problem — and we can help fix it.
Can I Get Cash Instead of the Voucher?
Not directly — but once you’ve used your voucher, you may also qualify for a $5,000 return-to-work supplement from California’s Return-to-Work Supplement Program. That’s up to $11,000 in total support — and most workers don’t even know it exists.
Common Problems With Vocational Rehab Benefits
We regularly see insurance companies or employers:
- Delay issuing the SJDB voucher past legal deadlines
- Fail to notify the injured worker of their rights
- Offer “modified” jobs that don’t meet your restrictions
- Try to lowball or close your case before issuing benefits
Don’t let them get away with it. If your benefits are being withheld or ignored, we can take legal action.
How EFLL Helps You Get the Benefits You Deserve
At Employees First Labor Law, we:
Demand SJDB vouchers on your behalf
Fight lowball job offers that don’t meet your needs
Help you claim the full $6,000 voucher and the $5,000 return-to-work supplement
Ensure your work restrictions are accurately documented
Take your case to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) if needed
We fight to make sure you don’t just heal — you rebuild.
Real Recovery Means a Real Future
Vocational rehabilitation isn’t just about education — it’s about empowerment. It’s about making sure your injury doesn’t define your future. At EFLL, we’re not just your legal team — we’re your launchpad to what’s next.
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