Understanding California’s Return-to-Work Supplement Program

When California workers suffer job-related injuries that result in permanent disability, they often face financial challenges that workers’ compensation benefits do not fully address. To help offset some of these losses, the state created the Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP). 

If you have suffered an injury on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Orange County. Contact us for a free consultation today.

What Is the Return-to-Work Supplement Program?

The Return-to-Work Supplement Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) through the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). It was established under Senate Bill 863 and became effective in April 2015.

The program provides a one-time $5,000 payment to qualified injured workers who have a permanent partial disability and have received a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher. The goal is to help workers transition into new employment and compensate for the wage loss that often results from being unable to return to their former occupation.

Who Is Eligible for California’s Return-to-Work Supplement Program?

To qualify for the Return-to-Work Supplement Program, an injured worker must meet the following criteria:

• Have a date of injury on or after January 1, 2013
• Receive a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher, which is given to workers with permanent partial disabilities who are unable to return to their former position and whose employer does not offer alternative or modified work
• Apply for the RTWSP within one year from the date the SJDB voucher was issued

Workers must apply through the state’s Return-to-Work Supplement Program portal, which is available online through the DIR website.

What Is a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) Voucher?

The SJDB voucher is a nontransferable voucher worth up to $6,000, provided to eligible injured workers to cover costs related to training, education, and job placement. It can be used for:

• Tuition and fees at an accredited school or training program
• Books, tools, and other necessary supplies
• Career counseling or vocational guidance
• Computer equipment or internet access related to training

Receiving this voucher is a necessary step before applying for the RTWSP. The voucher is usually issued once the worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) and it is determined that the employer cannot accommodate the worker’s limitations.

How to Apply

Injured workers can apply for the Return-to-Work Supplement online at the DIR’s RTWSP application portal. To complete the application, the worker must provide:

• A copy of the SJDB voucher
• Basic personal information
• The Workers’ Compensation claim number and related documents

Once submitted, the DIR reviews the application and typically issues the $5,000 payment by mail within 60 days.

Why the Program Matters

Many injured workers experience significant wage loss after being declared permanently disabled. While workers’ compensation benefits cover some of the costs, they rarely make up for lost income or retraining expenses. The Return-to-Work Supplement Program helps fill that gap by offering a lump-sum payment that can support:

• Relocation expenses
• Living costs during job training
• Educational or certification programs
• Basic needs while seeking new employment

For workers with limited financial resources, this one-time benefit can make a meaningful difference. If you have received a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit voucher and are unsure how to apply for the RTWSP, consider speaking with an Orange County workers’ compensation attorney. Legal guidance can help you access all benefits you are entitled to and avoid missing critical deadlines. Contact us to discuss your options today.