A: Employees injured between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2012, with injuries that result in permanent partial disability who do not return to work for the employer within 60 days of the termination of temporary disability, may qualify for the supplemental job displacement benefits voucher unless the employer offers and the employee rejects, or fails to accept, modified work, lasting at least 12 months. The benefit comes in the form of a non-transferable voucher that can be used to pay for education-related retraining or skill enhancement, or both, at state-approved or state-accredited schools. The voucher covers school tuition, fees, books and expenses required by the school for training. No more than 10 percent of the value of the voucher can be used for vocational & return to work counseling. The amount of the voucher varies from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the level of permanent disability.

Employees injured on or after Jan. 1, 2013, with injuries that result in permanent partial disability, and whose employer does not offer other regular, modified or alternative work, may also qualify for the SJDB voucher. The offer must be made within 60 days after receipt by the claims administrator of the Physician’s Return-to-Work & Voucher Report (Form DWC-AD 10133.36) The voucher amount is $6000 for all levels of permanent disability and can be used for training at a California public school or any other provider listed on the state’s eligible training provider list. It can also be used to pay licensing or certification and testing fees, to purchase tools required by a training course, to purchase computer equipment of up to $1,000 and to reimburse up to $500 in miscellaneous expenses. Up to 10 percent, or $600, may be used to pay for the services of a licensed placement agency or vocational counselor. No more than 10 percent of the value of the voucher can be used for vocational & return to work counseling.

A: No. For injuries occurring between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2012, if the employer sends a notice of offer of modified or alternative work within 30 days of your last temporary disability (TD) payment and the offer meets certain requirements, and you don’t accept the job, you’re not eligible for the voucher. The offer of modified or alternative work must meet the following conditions:

You have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job

The job is a regular position lasting at least 12 months

The job offers wages and compensation that are at least 85 percent of those paid to you at the time of your injury

The job is located within reasonable commuting distance of your residence at the time of injury.

For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2013, if the employer makes an offer of regular, modified, or alternative work within 60 days after receipt by the claims administrator of the Physician’s Return-to-Work & Voucher Report and the offer meets certain requirements and you don’t accept the job, you’re not eligible for the voucher. The offer of modified or alternative work must meet the following conditions:

You have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job

The job is a regular position lasting at least 12 months

The job offers wages and compensation that are at least 85 percent of those paid to you at the time of your injury

The job is located within reasonable commuting distance of your residence at the time of injury.

Job offers should not be filed with DWC.