Vocational Rehabilitation

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Is a voluntary program with the Bureau of Worker's Compensation for eligible Injured Workers.  The  primary goal is to assist them in returning to work.

An Injured Worker can put in a request for Vocational Rehabilitation to their Worker's Compensation insurance company, often referred to as an MCO (Managed Care Organization).  Your physician or  attorney of record may also refer you for Vocational Rehabilitation.

Once the request or referral has been made, you must pass eligibility with the BWC.   If you don't qualify yet, you'll  receive a letter in the mail.  If you do qualify, it's time to pick a Vocational Rehabilitation company. 

If you would like assistance requesting to participate in Vocational Rehabilitation, please call us at 614-859-7558.  Our case manager can help answer questions and work with you to get the request submitted.

If you were referred to Vocational Rehabilitation by your physician or attorney of record, then likely they already made a referral to a vocational rehabilitation company that will manage the benefits and services used in a Vocational Rehabilitation program.

Every Injured Worker has the right to choose every provider they work with.  You can take the suggestion of your physician/attorney of record, or the MCO may make suggestions too.  You are free to choose on your own though.  Just make sure to tell the MCO who you want to use.

Once a Vocational Rehabilitation vendor has been assigned, you'll work directly with a case manager to determine what benefits and services would best assist you in returning to work.

In some instances, returning to work isn't possible.  Vocational rehabilitation can still help though.  Talk to a case manager at Peak Performance for details on how.

For more in depth information on vocational rehabilitation, visit the BWC website.

Once you begin participating in a vocational rehabilitation plan, you are eligible for Living Maintenance.   Only Injured Workers in a vocational rehabilitation plan are eligible for Living Maintenance.   The amount paid is determined by the BWC.  More Information can be found here.

Living Maintenance Wage Loss, also referred to as LMWL,  helps offset a potential gap in wages when you return to work.  If you return to work making less money than you were when you were injured, the BWC will pay a percentage of the difference.  There are other eligibility requirements as well, talk to a case manager to learn more.

Case Managers are responsible for assessing what services and benefits within the  Vocational Rehabilitation program would best fit your needs.   This could include services like Career Counseling, Work Conditioning, training or education, job search preparation,  job search support and return to work follow up support.  

Once you return to work, the support doesn't stop.  Return to work follow up services is the safety net you need to help you overcome potential challenges and barriers in the work place. 

In addition to the services and benefits that are a part of Vocational Rehabilitation, your case manager is YOUR advocate.   Our most important job is to look out for your best interest both short and long term within the guidelines and policies set by the BWC.