What is considered a rehabilitation benefit? Explain work hardening programs and their relationship to such benefits. Discuss vocational rehab as well

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer:
If an employee is found to have a permanent disability, some states allow for a rehabilitation benefit. This benefit can be provided to retrain the employee in a physical ability which will help him to seek future employment.
Some states participate in a "work hardening" program, wherein an employee is assigned therapy similar to their work in an attempt to strengthen them and build up their endurance toward a full day's work. Often employees in such a program will be returned to work on a limited or restricted basis. Physicians, therapists, employers, insurance carriers, and all others concerned with the employee's case must keep in constant communication to ensure that the patient is not returned to work either sooner or later than possible.
Many states also allow for vocational rehabilitation or retraining in a different job field when the employee is unable to return to his former position. This can include courses in colleges and vocational schools, or on-the-job training programs. Often employees are paid a weekly allowance while they are attending school and for a limited time after graduation. The time after graduation is to allow them time to locate a job. The employee is then considered to be off temporary disability and returned to work. Vocational rehabilitation can also include job guidance, resume preparation, and placement services.