Returning to Work After Your Injury
Returning to Work – Programs to Assist Your Transition
Your decision to return to work will be based on reports from your doctor, your employer, and the claims administrator. Depending on your doctor’s report, you may be able to return to your job while recovering. However, if your doctor reports you cannot return to work during recovery, your employer cannot require you to return. Sometimes, you may be able to return to work on a restricted basis if your employer is willing and able to make accommodations. If accommodations cannot be made, you are not required to return to work.
Based on the nature of your injury, you may be entitled to:
temporary disability,
vocational rehabilitation,
supplemental job displacement benefits, -OR-
permanent disability benefits.
If the doctor concludes you will most likely never return to the job you had prior to your injury, and you were injured before January 1, 2004, you will receive information from the claims adjustor regarding possible eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits (see Vocational Rehab Benefits below) and information on whether your employer is offering you a new job via an “offer of modified or alternative work” form RU-94.
If the doctor concludes you will most likely never return to the job you had prior to your injury, and you were injured after January 1, 2004, you will receive an offer to return to:
Regular work – the wages, benefits, and job you had at the time of your injury
Alternative work – a new job with your former employer that will last at least 12 months and pay at least 85 percent of the wages and benefits you were paid at the time of injury
Modified work – the job you had at the time of your injury with changes that allow you to perform the job
If you are NOT offered work, and you have a permanent disability, you are entitled to supplemental job displacement benefits (see Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits below).
- VOCATIONAL REHAB
Vocational Rehab provides services to Californians with disabilities who want to return to work and are having trouble finding a job because of their disabilities. If your workers compensation injury date is before January 1, 2004, you may be eligible VR services.
There are several ways to apply for Voc Rehab services.
- You may apply online at the Department of Rehabilitation. Once your application is completed, you will be contacted for an appointment.
- Download the online application and mail the application to your local DOR office. Click here to locate your local office. You will be contacted for an appointment.
- Call the office to schedule an appointment, and bring the completed application to your appointment.
- If you cannot access or print the online application, call your local DOR office and request an application be mailed to you. Mail the completed form back and you will be contacted for an appointment.
- Bring a completed application to the office and they will schedule an appointment for you.
- Give the DOR office the information needed to start the assessment process.
- Visit a DOR office in person and complete the application.
At your appointment, a rehabilitation counselor will have obtained and reviewed your medical records and other pertinent information. They will go over this information with you to determine your eligibility. You will be assigned a rating of the level of significance of your disability, and the counselor will discuss your interests and abilities in returning back to work.
Depending on the results of your assessment and your eligibility for Vocational Rehab, there are several services available to you. These services may include:
Physical and mental rehabilitation
Interpreter services
Reader services
Transportation to other vocational rehabilitation services
Coverage of additional costs sustained during vocational rehab
Programs that teach job skills or on-site job training
Employment services such as a job coach
Job placement, job search, and job skills
Workplace personal assistant services (WPAS)
Independent living programs
The goal of vocational rehab is to help you return to work, and if education is part of your goal, it can be included in your vocational rehab package. Vocational rehab can provide educational support such as assistance with costs, transportation, out of class readers, interpreters, technological aids and devices, and more.
If your employer offers you an alternate job with modified work, and the job offers wages within 15% of your salary at the time of your injury, you must accept the job, or you will terminate your rights to future vocational rehab services.
- SUPPLEMENTAL JOB DISPLACEMENT BENEFITS
If you were injured after January 1, 2004, a doctor has said you are permanently unable to do your old job, and your employer is not willing to offer you other work, you may qualify for supplemental job displacement benefits (SJDB). Benefits are awarded in the form of a non-transferrable voucher which can be used toward educational training and/or skill enhancement at state-approved or state-accredited schools.
If you do not return to work for your employer within 60 days of the end of your temporary disability payments, you will receive an educational and/or skill enhancement voucher based on the percentage of the injured worker’s disability.
Permanent partial disability of less than 15% =$4,000 voucher
Permanent partial disability between 15% and 25% =$6,000 voucher
Permanent partial disability between 26% and 49% =$8,000 voucher
Permanent partial disability between 50% and 99% =$10,000 voucher
Go to the Department of Industrial Relations for more information. To view a list of accredited schools, visit The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
- SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program managed by the Social Security Administration that provides income to those who are unable to work due to a disability. SSDI is provided until your condition improves and can offer continued assistance as you transition back to school or into a new job.
You may qualify for SSDI if:
You have a physical condition that prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity -AND-
The condition is projected to last 12 months or result in death –AND-
You are under the age of 65 –AND-
You have worked 5 of the last 10 years as determined by the date of disability.
To apply for SSDI, visit the Social Security website. Once you complete the initial application, the Social Security Administration estimates 90-120 days for completion, but realistically, the process can take much longer depending on the amount of time it takes to receive medical evidence for validation of your claim.
After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, you will become eligible for Medicare. If you begin receiving SSDI benefits and have a dependent under the age of 18, your dependent may be eligible for benefits.
- TICKET TO WORK
The Ticket to Work programs offers employment, vocational rehab, and other support services to most individuals earning Social Security Disability. Generally, you may be an eligible beneficiary if you:
Are at least 18 and have not yet reached age 67.
Are a Title II disability beneficiary.
Are in current pay status for monthly Title II cash benefits on disability.
Do not have suspended monthly Federal cash benefits on disability or blindness.
And Social Security Administration records show your case:
Is not a medical improvement expected diary review case.
-OR-
Is designated as a medical improvement diary review and the SSA has conducted at least one CDR and made a final determination that your disability continues.
If you are eligible, you will receive a ticket from the Social Security Administration that may be used toward jobs and services from Employment Networks (EN’s). If you do receive a ticket, you can choose whether to use it and whether you want to use at an employment network or vocation rehab. Click here for more information on the ticket to work program.
- CALWORKS WELFARE-TO-WORK
The CalWORKS Welfare-to-Work Program is available to anyone receiving CalWORKS aid. The program provides an all-inclusive employment and training program. Participants are evaluated on an individual basis to create a course of action for success including education and training, job placement, or both.
Support services include resume preparation, job hunting, child care expenses, and transportation. For more information on the Contra Costa County Welfare-to-Work program call (925) 313-1642. For more information on the Alameda County Welfare-to-Work program call (510) 795-2428.
Returning to Work –Train for a New Job
If you are looking for a new job and do not wish to take college courses, there are still many options available to enhance your skill set and place you in a new job.
A good first step in finding a new career is self assessment. What are you interested in? What skills do you have? Self assessment can help you find a starting point for your job search and training. For self assessment opportunities at the Employment Development Department, click here.
If you are unsure what additional expertise you may need, you can begin a skills search. The skills search profiler will create a list of your skills, match them with jobs that use your current abilities, and find the gaps you must fill to be qualified for a new job. You can also browse job types to find the skills you may need for a future job or rate your job skills to find the best match for you. Click here to begin your skills search.
Once you isolate the skills you wish you attain, you can begin searching for a training program that is a good fit for you. There is an abundance of vocational training institutions in Contra Costa and Alameda County that will allow you to reach your goals.
- ADULT SCHOOL
Adult Education offers classes to adults 18 and older who would like to work towards a high school diploma or gain job skills in computer or medical fields. Many adult education schools offer programs to attain the job skill sets needed to become a Pharmacy Technician or Clinical Medical Assistant in as little as 21 weeks.
If you have received education vouchers, they may be used towards Adult Education programs. Financial Aid is also available through the school. Some schools can accommodate off-campus classes for seniors and adults with disabilities or offer online classes that can be completed at home.
For more information, locate your local Adult Education School on the Contra Costa and Alameda County school list.
- DIR APPRENTICESHIP
The Department of Industrial Relations apprenticeship program allows you to learn while you earn with on the job training and supplemental instruction. Training standards are set by the Division of Apprenticeship and vary by apprenticeship. The training period ranges from 1 to 6 years, with most lasting 4 years.
Apprentice pay begins at a percentage of the skilled workers’ wage, typically 35% to 50%, and increases at set intervals. An apprentice attends related technical instruction classes at night, 4 hours a week, allowing the individual to attain an all-inclusive comprehension of the job.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship, select an occupation which you are interested in or have previous experience and the physical ability to perform. To search and apply for available apprenticeship programs in your area, visit the Department of Industrial Relations database.
- ROP (REGIONAL OCCUPANCY PROGRAMS)
ROP is a career training program designed to help students develop job skills. Each class will help you upgrade your existing skill set, develop a resume, review interviewing techniques, and find sources of employment.
Programs offered through ROP vary by location, and include:
- Accounting Principles
- Administrative Medical Assistant
- Alternative & Renewable Energy
- Auto Body – Collision Repair, Refinishing, Painting, Machinist, and Specialist
- Business Math & English
- Careers in Education
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Criminal Justice
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Construction Technology
- Computer Animation
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Technology including Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet and E-mail, Publisher, InDesign, Web Design, Quickbooks, and more
- Cosmetology
- Developmental Psychology of Children
- Digital Sound Design
- EKG Technician Certificate Program
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Environmental Science
- Event Planning
- Hire Image
- Pharmacy Technician
- Refinery/Process Plant Operator
- Retain Floral Design
- Sports Entertainment Marketing
- Sports Medicine / Athletic Training
- Television Production
- Video Game Art & Design
- Water Pollution Control
- Welding
- LIST OF ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS
If you are using vouchers or benefits towards a work training program, you may need to verify the accreditation of the institution you wish to attend. To verify institutional accreditation or to browse a list of accredited institutions, click here.
Returning to Work – Helpful Links for Job Search
Once you attain your new skill set or are ready to look for a new job, there are numerous internet searches available to assist you in locating employment. Though not a comprehensive list, the following are some job search engines that will help you find employment.
- CALJOBS
CalJOBS is a free internet job search. You can list a resume to be seen by potential employers and search for jobs at the same time. Job openings range from entry to executive level. If you do not have a computer, you can access CalJOBS at the Employment Development Department, One-Stop Career Centers, and any location with access to the internet. Visit Cal Jobs to register and begin your search.
- LINKS TO GET READY FOR THE JOB
The California Employment Development Department offers a website with information devoted to the job application process. From the site, users can find interview preparation, training program information, job search tools, and resume builders.
To access the EDD get ready for the job information, go to click here.
- WE CONNECT
The WE Connect campaign is a program designed to help families become more financially secure through the access of programs and resources that are currently available but not taken advantage of. The site will help connect you and your family to information and resources that will help your transition back to work.
Click to go to weconnect, select your state, and navigate through the money, opportunity, and dreams tabs to find information that will connect you to services providing groceries, lower electrical bill costs, affordable insurance, housing and health information, job search tools, clothes for interviews, and more.
- ONE STOP CAREER CENTERS
The One Stop Career Center is US Department of Labor run organization that offers services related to worker re-employment and job seeker tools. Click here to access the site. If you do not have easy internet access or would prefer to work with a Career One Stop representative, there are several local One Stop Career Centers. To locate the closest Career One Stop center to you, go to the service locator.
- JOBS FAIRS
Job fairs are becoming a more common method of recruiting and screening potential employers. They provide an easy way to meet with multiple employers in one place and in a short period of time. For a list of upcoming job fairs in California, click here.
- CALIFORNIA AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT JOB LISTINGS
The California State Personnel Board maintains a compiled listing of federal and state government jobs. Visit the California State Personnel Board for more information.
- CRAIGSLIST
Craigslist is a free online advertisement network featuring a section devoted to jobs.
To use craigslist services, go to Craigslist and select the city you wish to look for employment in. The site will list several categories under the “jobs” category from which you can begin your search.
For more job hunting information from similar sites, visit:
Disclosing Your Disability When Applying for a New Job
When searching for a new job, you may face the issue of choosing when to disclose your disability. In the condition you are qualified for a job but need a “reasonable accommodation”, informing your employer during the interview begins their obligation to consider your accommodations. The employer is only required to provide accommodation if it is an undue hardship on the business to do so.
An employer cannot ask you questions about a disability or make medical inquiries in an interview. However, if you request a reasonable accommodation or if the employer needs to evaluate how you can perform the functions of the job with your disability, then they may need information. Employers have the right to ask during an interview if applicants are able to perform job functions. If you can perform a job function only with accommodations, your disability will be raised. Also, if there is something in your job history or background that can only be explained through the mention of your disability, your disability will be raised. If your disability is obvious, the employer may question you but only as long as the inquiries are related to your job.
Ultimately, the issue of disclosing your disability is up to you. Do not make your disability a bigger deal than it is. Present your qualifications and focus on your ability to do the job. Do not stress your accommodation as something that is needed, but as a tool that will allow you to be more productive and efficient in the workplace. Stress your capability and not your limitations. Be prepared for the subject of your disability to arise, and remain positive throughout the interview.
