“Very thankful for everything they did for us. Always responsive, reassured us every step of the way and obtained a great result.”
Miguel Orellana
✦ Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law — Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization ✦
Serving injured workers across California. Board-certified specialist; no fee unless we win.
By Eman Yazdchi, Esq. · Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
In California, the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) is a $6,000 retraining voucher under Labor Code §4658.7, available when the employer cannot offer modified or alternative work within 60 days of the worker reaching Maximum Medical Improvement. Yazdchi Law handles California SJDB voucher claims statewide.
Under California Labor Code §4658.7, the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher is a $6,000 California retraining benefit for an injured worker whose employer cannot offer modified or alternative work meeting the worker's permanent restrictions within 60 days of the worker reaching Maximum Medical Improvement under California Labor Code §4660. The voucher can be spent on tuition at a state-approved school, vocational counseling, occupational licensing fees, computer equipment (up to $1,000), and a small expense allowance, and is in addition to permanent disability indemnity under California Labor Code §4658.
Under California Labor Code §4658.7, a California injured worker qualifies for the SJDB voucher when the industrial injury produces permanent partial disability under California Labor Code §4660 and the employer fails to offer modified or alternative work meeting the worker's permanent restrictions within 60 days of the worker reaching permanent and stationary status. The 60-day window is tracked via the Notice of Offer of Regular, Modified, or Alternative Work (DWC-AD Form 10133.35) or its absence; the lack of a timely offer triggers the voucher.
Under California Labor Code §4658.7, the California SJDB voucher can pay for tuition, books, and required tools at a state-approved school; occupational licensing or certification fees (truck driving, real-estate, contractor's license, security guard); vocational counseling (up to 10% of the voucher); computer equipment (up to $1,000); and a small expense allowance. The voucher cannot be exchanged for cash directly. The approved school directory is maintained by the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Under California Labor Code §4658.7, the California SJDB voucher has a 2-year expiration from issuance. The injured worker must enroll in an approved training program within that 2-year window or forfeit the voucher's value. The 2-year clock runs strictly and there is no automatic extension. A worker still in active medical treatment when the voucher issues should consult an attorney about timing and the option to take the cash value in a settlement.
Yes, indirectly — a Compromise & Release lump-sum settlement under California Labor Code §4906 typically includes a separate line for the §4658.7 SJDB voucher value, often the full $6,000. The parties can issue the voucher itself or include a stated cash amount in the C&R. Taking cash in lieu of the voucher means the money may be reportable income, while the voucher used for actual training is generally not.
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Tap to call →Last reviewed by Eman Yazdchi, Esq., May 2026.
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