SJDB VOUCHER
What is the SJDB Voucher?
If you were injured during work anytime after or in January 2013, you may be eligible for supplemental Job Displacement Benefits otherwise known as the SJDB. However, if you were injured before January 1st, 2013 you may still qualify for SJDB. In this article, we will discuss the many differences. The best you can do is consult a professional who can help guide you through the process. keep in mind SJDB, is known as a voucher, and has changed over the years, so how it affects you depends on your injury date.
Do I Qualify?
Currently, to qualify for SJDB you must:
- suffer a work injury that causes permanent disability and
- receive no offer of alternate or modified duty with your employer.
Once your claims admin receives news of your permanent disability, They have 60 days to send you an offer of alternate or modified duty. However, if they do not send you this notice then you are eligible for the voucher! Any of the offers must allow work that lasts for at least 12 months to be a qualifying offer.
Alternate or Modified Duty?
Alternate or modified duty? These terms will be often used interchangeably. It is important to note that the terms refer to 2 different kinds of work. When you are offered Modified duty, you return to your old position but your employer must accommodate any restrictions you may have as a result of your permanent partial disability. Let’s say, for example, you have a restriction of no standing for more than 2 hours at a time. On the other hand, Alternate Duty typically refers to another position in which your employer pays you at least 85% of your prior wages.
How Do I Get The Voucher?
Once the 60 day period expires, your claims admin has 20 days to send you the voucher. The voucher will expire 2 years after the voucher was issued, or 5 years after your injury date, whichever is later.
Return to Work Supplemental Program
The state of California offers an additional, one-time supplement of $ 5,000 if you were injured on or after January 1, 2013, and you have received a voucher. You must apply for the return to work supplement within one year of receiving your voucher. You can apply for the supplement here.