How to use the vocational rehabilitation benefit calculator
When a work injury stops someone from returning to their old job, workers' compensation can pay for retraining plus a weekly maintenance allowance while the training runs. Enter the pre-injury average weekly wage, the planned training length and the tuition cost to see the likely value of the package.
Legal basis - vocational rehabilitation is a state law benefit written into each state workers' compensation act, and the usual limits are a cap on training weeks, commonly between 52 and 104, and a separate cap on tuition. On the federal side, FECA authorizes vocational rehabilitation under 5 U.S.C. ยง8104 and pays a maintenance allowance of up to $200 a month under 5 U.S.C. ยง8111(b). Figures are current as of September 2026, and your state may differ, so check your state statute and edit the caps above.
Most states require a rehabilitation plan approved by the insurer or the compensation board before training starts, and benefits can be suspended if the plan is not followed. This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney or your state workers' compensation board about your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
In most states the maintenance allowance replaces or overlaps with temporary disability payments rather than stacking on top of them. Check how your state treats the two, because the combined weekly amount is usually capped.
Refusing an approved plan without good cause can lead to suspension or reduction of benefits in many states. If the plan does not fit your restrictions, raise it in writing with the rehabilitation counsellor rather than simply stopping attendance.