There are many different aspects to workers’ compensation benefits of which San Jose workers should be aware. In many instances, it goes beyond the most commonly understood basics such as payment of medical expenses and coverage for lost wages. One part of workers’ compensation that might affect certain people is the return-to-work supplement program (RTWSP).
RTWSP is a program that the Department of Industrial Relations administers. It provides a one-time supplemental payment for workers who are facing a loss of earnings in a disproportionate way. But there are eligibility requirements for RTWSP. Those whose injury came about on or after January 1, 2013 and have gotten a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) can get RTWSP. When applying, the application must be received within one year of being served the SJDB voucher or within one year from April 13, 2015, whichever came first.
The RTWSP will pay a one-time amount of $5,000 for workers who meet the requirements. There is an application that must be filled out with the personal information of the applicant, the SJDB voucher, the adjudication number, and the workers’ compensation claim number. The application will be reviewed within 60 days of the date it was filed. Those who are declared eligible will get their payment within 25 days of that determination. If the claim is denied, an appeal can be filed with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) within 20 days of the decision.
RTWSP is an option for workers who qualify. This, like many portions of workers’ compensation, could be completely unknown or confusing to a person who was injured on the job. Having assistance and advice from a legal professional experienced in helping clients get their workers’ compensation benefits is useful to getting everything to which he or she is entitled.
Source: dir.ca.gov, “Chapter 9. Return-to-Work Supplement Program,” accessed on Aug. 14, 2017