Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits: Who Qualifies and How to Use It

Understanding the SJDB Voucher

The Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher is a benefit provided to qualified injured workers in California who cannot return to their previous jobs due to permanent medical restrictions. The voucher is designed to help these workers gain new skills and transition into a different career by supplementing education, licensing, and job training expenses. 

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher—including who qualifies, how to use it, and how it can help you transition into a new career.

Who is Eligible for an SJDB Voucher?

To qualify for an SJDB voucher, a California worker must meet the following conditions:

1. The injury results in permanent work restrictions.
   
   • A doctor must determine that the worker has permanent limitations preventing them from returning to their previous job.
2. The employer cannot offer a suitable alternative job.
   
   • The employer must offer regular, modified, or alternative work within 60 days of receiving the doctor’s report.
   • The job must be within the worker’s medical restrictions and pay at least 85% of their pre-injury wages.

If an employer fails to offer a suitable position within 60 days, the worker automatically qualifies for the SJDB voucher.

Example:

A retail employee sustains a serious knee injury on the job, making it impossible for them to stand for long hours. Their employer does not offer an alternative position that meets their medical restrictions within 60 days. As a result, they become eligible for an SJDB voucher and can seek to apply their SJDB voucher funds towards the Small Business Development and Management course at International College to retrain in hopes of seeking a new career.

When Should an Injured Worker Expect to Receive an SJDB Voucher?

If an employer cannot accommodate the worker’s restrictions, they must provide the SJDB voucher within 20 days after the 60-day job offer period ends.

For an employer’s job offer to be valid, it must meet the following conditions:

• The job must last at least 12 months
• The worker’s salary must be at least 85% of their pre-injury earnings
• The job must be within a reasonable commuting distance

If the employer does not offer a valid job, the worker is entitled to an SJDB voucher.

How Long is the Voucher Valid?

The SJDB voucher expires on the later of:

• Two years from the date the voucher is issued
• Five years from the date of the workplace injury

Once expired, the voucher cannot be renewed or used for training expenses. Injured workers should plan ahead to use the voucher before it expires. 

What Can the SJDB Voucher Be Used For?

The $6,000 SJDB voucher can be used for a variety of education and career development expenses, including:

• Retraining or skill enhancement at a California public school or certified provider on the Eligible Training Provider List, including coverage of tuition, fees, books, and required expenses.
• Fees for occupational licensing or professional certification, including related exam fees and exam preparation course costs.
• Vocational or return-to-work counseling, licensed placement agency services, and résumé preparation, with a combined maximum limit of $600.
• Tools required for the training or educational program in which the employee is enrolled.
• Computer equipment—such as monitors, software, networking devices, keyboards, mouse, printers, and tablet computers—up to a $1,000 limit.
• A miscellaneous expense reimbursement or advance of up to $500

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Example:

A factory worker develops permanent wrist damage on the job and can no longer perform assembly-line work. They use the SJDB voucher to enroll in a medical billing course at International College to start a new career in medical billing and coding.

International College submits the tuition invoice for educational expenses directly to the insurance company for payment of the Medical Billing and Coding Course. International College can also assist with requesting the computer reimbursement on behalf of the student to the insurance company.

Can You Receive More Than One SJDB Voucher?

In some cases, a worker may qualify for multiple SJDB vouchers if they experience more than one work-related injury in California during the same period.

Example:

A mechanic injures their back in January and then injures their shoulder in March. Both injuries result in permanent restrictions, and their employer cannot offer a suitable job. Since each injury qualifies separately, the worker receives two $6,000 vouchers, totaling $12,000 for retraining.

What Happens If You Decline a Job Offer?

Workers who refuse a valid job offer may lose eligibility for the SJDB voucher. However, the job must:

• Be permanent (12+ months)
• Be within the worker’s medical restrictions
• Pay at least 85% of the pre-injury wage

If the job does not meet these conditions, the worker still qualifies for the voucher, even if they decline the offer. Please consult with your workers compensation attorney to make the decision that is best for your personal case.

Example:

An office worker develops chronic wrist pain during the job that prevents them from typing for long periods. Their employer offers them a lower-paying job that involves answering phones. Since the salary is less than 85% of their previous wage, the worker can decline the offer and still receive the SJDB voucher.

Ensuring You Receive Your SJDB Voucher

If an employer fails to provide a voucher on time, workers should:

1. Contact the employer or insurance company to request the voucher.
2. Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney if there is a dispute.
3. File a complaint with the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) if the issue is not resolved.

How International College Helps Injured Workers Retrain for a New Career

With over 30 years of experience, International College specializes in helping injured workers transition into new careers. International College offers:

• Courses in English and Spanish.
• Flexible online courses that allow students to learn in the comfort of their home.
• Career-focused training in fields such as medical billing and coding, legal secretary, graphic design, and much more! Please visit our course page for more information.

Injured workers can use their SJDB voucher towards tuition, certification fees, and educational materials while preparing for a stable and fulfilling new career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use the SJDB voucher for online courses?

Yes, the voucher can be used for approved online training programs, such as those offered by International College.

2. What happens if my employer refuses to provide the voucher?

Workers should follow up with their employer and, if necessary, file a complaint with the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC).

3. Can I combine the SJDB voucher with other workers’ compensation benefits?

Yes, workers can use the SJDB voucher along with the RTWSP (Return-to-Work Supplement Program) for additional financial support.

4. How can I apply for additional RTWSP $5,000?

For a detailed guide on the application process, follow our Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Return-to-Work Supplement Program.

Next Steps

The SJDB voucher is an essential resource for injured workers seeking to transition into a new career. If you qualify, consider using your voucher to enroll in a career-focused training program at International College to gain valuable skills and secure a new job opportunity.

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