Illinois Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Vocational rehabilitation is a benefit provided to injured or disabled Illinois residents to help them build the skills to work. This benefit is critical for many injured workers trying to find their footing after a work injury, and our Chicago workers’ compensation attorney will fight for your rights to access all appropriate benefits after your work injury.
Taxman, Pollock, Murray, & Bekkerman, LLC has spent years developing a reputation for excellence and the experience to help you navigate your workers’ compensation claim and collect the vocational rehab benefits to which you are entitled.
What Does Vocational Rehabilitation Services Cover?
If you have been injured on the job and are unable to return to your previous position or employer, vocational rehab provides services that can help you find employment again. The needs of each person will differ based on the type of permanent disability they have developed. However, the options that may be available to you include:
- Job counseling: A job counselor may help you adjust your resume, prepare for interviewing, and help you develop networking skills
- Job searches: Starting from scratch in a job search can be overwhelming. Many vocational rehab programs can help you search for a job by utilizing professional databases and networking connections
- Training: Part of your vocational rehabilitation benefits may go to funding training opportunities that may be required to secure a position
- Education: Changing your field of work often requires ongoing education. Some benefits will cover the costs of this education if you attend an institution from a pre-approved list provided by your employer
The ultimate goal of workers’ compensation and vocational rehabilitation benefits is to help you find a new career and live your life after you are permanently injured at work. Because each situation is unique, you can gain a better understanding of your eligibility for these benefits by speaking with your attorney.
How Long Does It Take to Get Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits, and How Do I Qualify?
If you suffer a work injury, you are probably anxious to figure out what is happening with your employment situation. Vocational rehabilitation benefits typically kick in for permanent injuries that leave you disabled and determine your maximum medical recovery, as explained in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Handbook.
This requires you to engage with your treatment plan to recover as much as possible before determining long-term deficits. This can take a varied amount of time based on the type of injury you have and how well your body responds to treatment.
To qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits, you must be evaluated and determined to have sustained a permanent disability that prevents you from keeping your current employment. The Occupational Assessment Services identifies these qualifying disabilities to include mobility or sense impairment or chronic health conditions that may have developed from your accident.
Cooperation is Critical
When you receive vocational rehabilitation benefits through your workers’ compensation claim, they often come with conditions to ensure services are not wasted. Most frequently, this requires you to comply with the program. Attend sessions with your counselor and follow their recommendations. If you fail to comply with these requirements, you may lose access to your benefits.