If you get injured on the job in California and receive workers’ compensation benefits, you may be eligible for a Return to Work Supplement. This program, administered by the state, provides additional financial support to help you transition back into the workforce after an injury.
As you prepare to return to work, you should understand the basics of the Return to Work Supplement and how it can help you.
Understanding the program
The Return to Work Supplement is a benefit available to California workers who suffered a permanent disability due to a work-related injury or illness. It provides additional financial assistance to those who may have a reduced earning capacity as a result of their disability. The RTWS is not meant to replace your regular workers’ compensation benefits but rather to supplement them as you re-enter the workforce.
Qualifying for the program
To qualify for the Return to Work Supplement, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a permanent partial disability as a result of a work-related injury or illness
- Your injury or illness must have occurred on or after January 1, 2013
- You must have received a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit voucher
It is important to note that the RTWS is only available to those who have not returned to work for the employer they were working for at the time of their injury or who are earning less than they did before the injury occurred.
By providing additional financial assistance, the RTWS can help ease the transition back into the workforce and support you on your path to recovery. Understanding the program’s eligibility requirements helps you determine if you could qualify.