Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit Requirements

Workers declared permanent and stationary (P&S) may be eligible to receive a supplemental job displacement voucher worth up to $6,000 if they meet meet two specific requirements.

1. Your work injury has resulted in permanent partial disability
2. Your employer has not offered you regular, modified, or alternative work within 60 days of the claims administrator receiving Form 10133.36 (Physician’s Return-to-Work & Voucher Report)

After that 60 days have passed, the claims administrator has 20 days to send you Form 10133.32 (Supplemental Job Displacement Non-Transferable Voucher Form) with which you can submit expense requests.

How Can the Job Voucher Be Used?

The most well-known use of the supplemental job displacement voucher is to pay for training for a new career that can accommodate your permanent disability.  The job voucher can be used for tuition, fees, tools, learning materials, or any other school expense that pertains to retraining or skill enhancement.  It can also be used to pay for professional certifications, exam preparation, and exam fees.

The voucher can also be used for certain non-schooling related expenses.  Up to $600 of the voucher value can be used for job hunting, including licensed placement agencies, vocation counselor services, return-to-work counselor services, and professional résumé assistance.  Up to $1,000 can be put towards computer equipment, which can help meet educational and employment goals.  Up to $500 can be used (without question) for miscellaneous expenses.

Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit Limitations

There are some notable limitations to supplement job displacement vouchers.

• Voucher funds expire two years from when you receive your voucher or five years after the date of injury, whichever is later.
• Voucher value does not scale with disability rating.  The benefit is always $6,000, regardless of injury.
• Vouchers are limited to California public schools and approved trainers.  The Employment Development Department maintains a list of eligible training providers.  Instructions to view eligible providers can be seen here.
• Vouchers are not issued until the 60 day deadline for alternative work has passed.
• The value of the voucher cannot be included in a workers’ compensation claim settlement.