Benefits and money

How to get the $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement

By the Work Injury Compass editorial team · Last updated November 2026 · How we write and check guides

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Who qualifies

According to the DIR's RTWSP page, you're eligible if:

• your date of injury is on or after January 1, 2013;
• you received an SJDB voucher furnished by a claims administrator (the insurance company); and
• you apply by the deadline: RTWSP must receive your application within one year from the date the SJDB voucher was served on you.

The SJDB voucher itself is offered when you have permanent disability and your employer doesn't offer regular, modified or alternative work you can do. See the $6,000 SJDB voucher for how that works.

What you need before you start

• The whole SJDB voucher, including the proof of service (page 6 of 6), as a PDF or TIFF file to upload.
• Your adjudication (ADJ) case number. You can find it with the DWC's public case search. If you don't have an ADJ number, the program asks you to email RTWSP@dir.ca.gov.
• Your workers' comp claim number, from the insurer's letters.
• The date the voucher was served on you, shown on the proof of service.

How to apply

1. Go to the official Return-to-Work Supplement Program page and open the online application. Instructions are posted in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
2. Fill in your information and upload the voucher with its proof of service.
3. Submit before the one-year deadline. Don't wait for the case to settle; the clock runs from when the voucher was served.

No internet at home? Every DWC district office has a kiosk with a computer, scanner and printer you can use (see DWC district offices), and Information & Assistance officers help in person or at 1-800-736-7401.

How long it takes

The DIR says completed, timely applications are decided within 60 days of receipt, and the $5,000 is paid within 25 days of the eligibility decision.

Common mistakes

• Missing the one year. It counts from service of the voucher, not from the injury or the settlement.
• Uploading only part of the voucher. The program asks for the entire voucher including page 6.
• Thinking the $5,000 replaces the voucher. It doesn't; the voucher pays for retraining and the supplement is a separate cash payment.

Program questions go to RTWSP@dir.ca.gov or (510) 286-0787, as listed on the DIR page.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. For free help from the state, call the DWC Information & Assistance unit at 1-800-736-7401.