If you received a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher as part of your workers’ compensation case or settlement, you might be staring at it wondering what to do next. You’re not alone. The voucher is one of the most underused benefits in the California workers’ comp system, and that’s a shame, because it’s real money available to you right now.
Here’s what you need to know.
What the Voucher Is
The SJDB voucher is worth up to $6,000. Unlike temporary or permanent disability payments, which come to you directly, the voucher works as reimbursement. It can pay for retraining, education, job placement services, tools or equipment, and a computer (up to $1,000).
The Two Easiest Ways to Use It
Most people don’t realize how simple it is to get something out of this voucher right away.
The first option is the $500 miscellaneous expense reimbursement. Go to page 3 of your voucher, check the box that says “I request $500 as a miscellaneous expense reimbursement or advance,” sign and date it, and send it to your claims adjuster. That’s it.
The second option is computer reimbursement. Buy a computer (it can be any kind of computer or tablet), then complete page 4, check the box for receipt of purchased equipment, sign and date, and send it to your adjuster. You can be reimbursed up to $1,000.
If you want to use the voucher for school or vocational training, your adjuster can pay the institution directly. Complete page 1 to get that started.
Don’t Miss the $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement
This is where a lot of injured workers leave money on the table.
Because you received the voucher, you automatically qualify for an additional $5,000 cash payment through California’s Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP). This money comes from the state, not your employer’s insurance company, and it exists specifically to help workers who can’t return to their old job.
The catch: you must apply within one year of the date your voucher was issued. Miss that deadline, and the $5,000 is gone.
Applying is straightforward. Go to the California DIR website, click “File RTWSP Application Online,” upload a copy of your voucher, and fill out your basic information. You can also apply by mail using the form on that same page.
Set a reminder. Do it today if you can.
Why This Matters
California designed these programs to provide real, meaningful support to injured workers who can no longer do the job they had before. Between the voucher and the RTWSP, you may be entitled to up to $11,000 in benefits that have nothing to do with your settlement amount. But too often, workers don’t hear about them clearly, get intimidated by the form, don’t know the steps, or simply miss the deadline.
You deserve to use every benefit you’ve earned.
Questions About Your Workers’ Comp Case?
At Ryan D. Kayrell, P.C., I represent injured workers and focus exclusively on making sure my clients understand and receive every benefit they’re entitled to under California law. If you have questions about your voucher, your settlement, or your case, I’d be glad to talk.