If you’ve suffered a work-related injury in Minnesota, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. These benefits are designed to help injured workers like you return to the workforce and regain your pre-injury economic status. In this blog, we’ll explore what these benefits entail and how they can support your journey back to employment.
What Are Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits?
Vocational rehabilitation benefits in Minnesota provide a comprehensive suite of services aimed at helping injured workers successfully reintegrate into the workforce. These services may include:
- Vocational counseling
- Retraining or skill development
- Job search assistance
- Job placement services
The goal is to support you in returning to your former job or finding new employment that aligns with your abilities and interests.
Am I Eligible for These Benefits?
You may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits if you’re considered a “qualified employee.” This means:
- You’re permanently precluded (or likely to be) from engaging in your usual occupation or the job you held when injured.
- You can’t reasonably be expected to return to suitable employment with your date-of-injury employer.
- You can reasonably be expected to return to suitable employment through rehabilitation services.
It’s important to note that if your workers’ compensation claim is denied, the insurance company won’t pay for these services. In such cases, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to file a rehabilitation request or claim petition on your behalf.
The Role of a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC)
A Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) plays a crucial role in your rehabilitation process. They provide both vocational rehabilitation and medical management services, aiming to help you return to suitable, gainful employment.
Your QRC can:
- Attend your medical appointments
- Clarify your physical restrictions with medical providers
- Communicate these restrictions to relevant parties
- Help you find suitable employment
- Assist with job search, interview preparation, and resume creation
Can I Choose My Own QRC?
Yes, you can! In fact, we strongly recommend selecting your own QRC rather than accepting one assigned by the insurance adjuster. You have 60 days from the initial assignment to make this switch, and you don’t need to provide a reason for the change.
A QRC you choose is more likely to prioritize your best interests, ensuring you return to work when you’re truly ready and in a position that’s suitable for your physical and mental capabilities. Midwest Disability can assist in finding a QRC that’s a good fit for you.
What If I Can’t Return to My Original Job?
If your work injury prevents you from returning to your original job, your QRC will work with you to explore alternative employment options or retraining possibilities. This process may involve:
- Evaluating your restrictions, education, and work history
- Developing a tailored retraining and rehabilitation plan
- Identifying suitable new positions
Your QRC will guide you through this process, ensuring you have the necessary resources and support to find sustainable work that aligns with your career goals.
How We Can Help
Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation and vocational rehabilitation can be challenging. If you have questions about your workers’ compensation claim or vocational rehabilitation benefits, Midwest Disability is here to help.
