What tips should I keep in mind?

You have the right to choose your own rehabilitation counselor in most states. Vocational rehab should prepare you for work that pays as close to your pre-injury wages as possible. Keep records of all expenses -- they may be reimbursable.

Vocational Rehabilitation Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost of vocational rehabilitation services including retraining, education, job placement, and living expenses during rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Program Type(Type of retraining or education needed)

Annual Tuition/Training Cost ($)(Yearly cost of education or training program)

Annual Books & Supplies ($)(Textbooks, tools, equipment per year)

Monthly Maintenance Allowance ($)(Living stipend during retraining (if applicable))

Job Placement Services ($)(Resume, interview prep, placement assistance)

Monthly Transportation Cost ($)(Commuting to training program)

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Vocational rehabilitation helps injured or disabled workers return to gainful employment through retraining, education, or job placement services. Workers comp insurers are often required to pay for vocational rehab when a worker cannot return to their prior occupation due to permanent restrictions.

The Formula

Total Cost = (Tuition x Years) + (Books x Years) + (Maintenance x Months) + (Transport x Months) + Placement

Variables

Tuition — Annual cost of training or education program
Maintenance — Monthly living stipend during retraining
Placement — One-time cost for job search and placement assistance

Example

A 1-year certificate program at $8,000/year with $1,500 books, $2,000/month maintenance, $300/month transport, and $2,500 placement: Total = $8,000 + $1,500 + $24,000 + $3,600 + $2,500 = $39,600.

Tips

You have the right to choose your own rehabilitation counselor in most states.
Vocational rehab should prepare you for work that pays as close to your pre-injury wages as possible.
Keep records of all expenses -- they may be reimbursable.
Some states allow a maintenance allowance (temporary disability payments) during retraining.
Rehabilitation plans should be in writing and agreed upon before starting.