Benefits and money
Returning to work, modified duty and retraining
When your doctor releases you to work with restrictions, your employer can offer modified or alternative work that fits them. If it does, temporary disability generally ends. If your injury leaves permanent limitations and your employer doesn't offer suitable regular, modified or alternative work, you may receive a $6,000 Supplemental Job Displacement voucher for retraining (injuries since 2013) and may qualify for a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement from the state.
Modified duty while you're healing
Many employers offer light or modified duty after an injury. Before you start, make sure the job matches your doctor's written restrictions (lifting limits, hours, sitting/standing). If you're asked to do work outside the restrictions, say so, in writing, and tell your doctor. If modified duty pays less than before, you may receive temporary partial disability for the difference.
Regular, modified and alternative work offers
After you're permanent and stationary, the employer may offer:
- Regular work: your usual job, same pay.
- Modified work: your job changed to fit restrictions, paying at least 85% of your previous wage.
- Alternative work: a different job you can do, paying at least 85% of your previous wage, within a reasonable commute.
For injuries since 2013, if no qualifying offer is made within 60 days after the claims administrator receives the final medical report on permanent disability, you become eligible for the SJDB voucher.
The $6,000 SJDB voucher
- Pays for retraining or skill enhancement at state-approved or accredited schools; part can go to a vocational counselor, books, tools, licensing and up to $1,000 for computer equipment (DWC SJDB page).
- It's nontransferable and isn't paid in cash.
- It generally expires two years after it's furnished or five years after the date of injury, whichever is later.
The $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement
The Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP) pays a one-time $5,000 to eligible workers who received an SJDB voucher for injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2013. Apply online through the DIR RTWSP page, generally within one year of receiving the voucher.
Accommodation and job protection
Separate from workers' comp, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act requires employers with five or more employees to engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process about reasonable accommodations for a disability. Being injured is not a lawful reason to fire you (LC §132a).
What to do next
- Get your restrictions in writing after every visit and give them to your employer.
- Get any job offer in writing, with pay and duties.
- If you get an SJDB voucher, apply for the $5,000 supplement.
Sources
- DWC: Supplemental job displacement benefit
- DIR: Return-to-Work Supplement Program
- California Labor Code §4658.7 (supplemental job displacement benefit)
- California Labor Code §4656 (temporary disability time limits)
- DWC fact sheet: Permanent disability benefits (PDF)
- California Labor Code §132a (discrimination for filing a claim)
Official sources checked November 2026. Laws and rates change; check the source for the latest version.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. For free help from the state, call the DWC Information & Assistance unit at 1-800-736-7401.