You’ve worked hard over the years to develop your skills and advance in your career. Now, a workplace injury has changed everything. You can no longer perform the job you used to do, and you aren’t qualified for any other position. What now?
The good news is that Minnesota provides vocational rehabilitation services to qualified workers. You may have the opportunity to learn a new trade or launch a new career – at no cost to you.
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, you may be eligible for rehabilitation services if all of the following are true:
- You can no longer perform your normal job because of your injury or illness.
- Your employer can’t offer you any other position for which you are qualified.
- Vocational rehabilitation services are likely to benefit you.
If you qualify, you will have access to a wide array of useful services. This includes job retraining, if appropriate, so that you can continue to earn approximately the same amount of money that you did before you were injured. Job retraining can include:
- Weekly benefit checks
- College or tech school tuition
- The cost of textbooks
- Mileage to and from the educational institute
The exact services you require will differ depending on your education level, skill set, medical restrictions, age and other factors. In every case, however, you can take heart knowing that the end of your former career is not the end of the road. You still have options for making the most of your future.
For help requesting vocational rehabilitation services, or to learn more about other workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota, consider contacting an attorney with in-depth experience in this particular area of law. He or she can advise you of all your rights and guide you through the legal system step by step.
