What are Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits?

 Posted on February 03, 2026 in Types of Benefits

Work injuries are more common than many people realize. Nearly 2.5 million workplace injury cases are reported throughout the country within a single year, leaving many workers unsure how they will support themselves if they cannot return to their old jobs.

In California, Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB) are designed to help in that situation. If you are dealing with a serious work injury in 2026, a Santa Clara County, CA workers' compensation lawyer can help you understand whether these benefits apply to you and how to protect them.

What Are Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits in California?

Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits are provided through a voucher, not cash. The voucher pays for education or training so an injured worker can prepare for a new type of job.

Under California Labor Code § 4658.7, these benefits apply when a work injury results in permanent disability, and the employer does not offer regular, modified, or alternative work that meets legal standards. The goal is to help workers move forward when returning to the same job is no longer realistic.

Who Qualifies for Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits?

Not every injured worker qualifies for SJDB. Eligibility depends on medical findings and whether the employer makes a proper job offer after those findings are issued.

In general, you may qualify if:

• You have a permanent disability caused by a work-related injury.

• Your employer does not offer suitable work within the required time.

• The offered job does not meet wage, location, or physical ability rules.

Many disputes happen over whether a job offer truly qualifies under the law.

How Much Are Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits Worth?

The value of the SJDB voucher depends on the level of permanent disability. In most cases, the maximum voucher amount is $6,000.

The money is not paid directly to the worker. It can only be used for approved education and training costs. Some workers may also qualify for a separate state return-to-work supplement once the voucher is issued.

What Can the SJDB Voucher Be Used For?

The voucher is limited to specific career-related expenses. It cannot be used for everyday bills or unrelated costs.

Approved uses generally include:

• Tuition and fees at approved schools or training programs

• Books, supplies, and required equipment

• Licensing or certification fees

• Career counseling services

Using the voucher correctly is important. Missing deadlines or using it improperly can lead to lost benefits.

What Happens If There Is a Dispute About SJDB Benefits?

Disputes are common in SJDB cases. Employers or insurance companies may claim a job offer was valid when it was not, or argue that the worker does not qualify for retraining benefits.

A workers’ compensation lawyer can review medical reports, job offers, and timelines to determine whether the law was followed. If not, the issue can be addressed through the workers’ compensation system.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help With SJDB Benefits?

Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits often sound simple, but they are one of the most disputed parts of a workers’ compensation claim. Issues with these claims can cost injured workers valuable time and opportunities.

A workers’ compensation attorney can review medical reports to confirm whether permanent disability was properly rated and whether the employer met its legal obligations. An attorney can also evaluate job offers to see if they truly meet wage, location, and physical ability requirements under the law. If a voucher should have been issued but was not, a lawyer can take steps to enforce that right.

An attorney also helps protect deadlines. Missing a filing date or response window can mean losing SJDB benefits entirely. Having legal guidance helps ensure the process moves forward correctly and that retraining options remain available when returning to the same job is no longer possible.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Gilroy, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney

At Raul Martinez Injury Law Firm, we help injured workers understand every benefit available to them. Our firm has served clients in Gilroy and the surrounding areas for nearly 30 years. Our current team of attorneys brings more than two decades of combined experience in the practice of workers’ compensation law. That experience allows us to guide clients through complex benefit issues with care and clarity.

If you were injured at work and have questions about retraining benefits or your workers’ compensation claim, call 408-848-1113 to schedule a free consultation with a Santa Clara County, CA workers' compensation lawyer today.