RETURN-TO-WORK SERVICES PROGRAM

Contact: Richard Wilson
Department of Labor and Industries
P.O. Box 44324
Olympia, WA 98504-4323
Telephone: 360.902.6313
E-mail: wiri235@lni.wa.gov

State Web site: http://www.lni.wa.gov/
Local Link: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Main/ContactInfo/OfficeLocations/default.asp

Participation: 11,909 participants were served by the Return-to-Work Services Program in 2006.

Who is Served: Vocational benefits administered by the Washington State Fund are only available to eligible insured workers. Workers covered under Self-Insured employers may be eligible for the same benefits.  

Program Description: This program provides injured workers with return-to-work assistance. The Department of Labor and Industries uses qualified vocational providers to assist in return to work, assess participants’ ability to work, and, where necessary, develop a rehabilitation plan. L&I may pay up to $4,000 in a 52-week period for short-term training costs, which may be provided through community or technical colleges or by on-the-job training. These caps on training costs and time increase to $12,000 and up to two years for plans approved on or after January 1, 2008.

Other Program Characteristics: Reimbursed expenses may include books, tuition, equipment, and child care. Transportation during vocational rehabilitation services is paid separately. A “preferred worker” allows employers to hire workers whose injury prevents them from returning to work with their former employer and impairs their reemployment. State Fund employers who agree to hire these workers are excused from paying the usual premium for a period not to exceed 36 months with financial protection against any subsequent injury. Up to $5,000 is provided for job modification for eligible workers.

Program History: Vocational rehabilitation began officially for workers’ compensation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The program helps individuals to return to work through placement, assessment, and/or retraining.

Outcome Measures: Not available.

State Funding: Return-to-work services are funded through premiums collected from employers and employees insured by the Washington State Fund. Retraining fees are paid from the Accident Fund and include tuition, supplies, equipment, books, and travel. Job modification costs are paid from the Second Injury Fund. Vocational providers are paid from the Medical Aid Fund. State Fund vocational rehabilitation expenditures for July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007 totaled $49,697,000.

Federal Funding: None.

 Statutory Authority: State - RCW 51.32.095, 090, and 250. WAC 296-19A. Administered by the Department of Labor and Industries.