The Kentucky Office of Workers' Claims (OWC) is committed to its vocational rehabilitation program. The OWC has formed a focus group to review the workers' compensation vocational rehabilitation program procedures.  This focus group was formed to find ways to strengthen the system and make it more efficient in facilitating the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services and return to work.  Conclusions of this study are anticipated in early 2006.

Any injured worker may apply for vocational rehabilitation services.  You may be eligible for retraining benefits if you have recovered from a work-related injury, but have not regained the physical capacity to return to the job you held before your injury.  Kentucky's workers' compensation laws determine who is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.

The first step on your road to rehabilitation is to contact the Office of Workers' Claims at 1-800-554-8601.  Our experienced vocational rehabilitation staff will guide you through the process.

If you are an eligible candidate, you will be referred to an evaluation center nearest to your home.  After reviewing the results of the evaluation, the specialist will then work with you to map out your rehabilitation goals and establish a plan to help you reach them.

Ability levels and interests may lead you to any range of opportunities from short-term training to earn a commercial driver's license to more involved training to earn a professional certificate.

• Take an active role in the development and completion of your rehabilitation program;
• Promptly attend all scheduled meetings, appointments and interviews;
• Participate in all requested vocational testing;
• Keep the vocational rehabilitation specialist informed of any changes in phone number, address, medical condition or any other pertinent information. 

As an active participant in your vocational rehabilitation, you will gain the independence and self-confidence that comes from gainful employment.  State law provides through the vocational rehabilitation statute:

• Payment of direct school expenses such as tuition, textbooks and required fees for an initial period of 52 weeks;
• Additional training, when justified, may be awarded by an administrative law judge on a case-by-case basis;
• Other educational expenses such as transportation and room and board can be approved on a case-by-case basis;
• Permanent total disability benefits may be paid at a higher rate during training;
• Other awarded income benefits may be accelerated to provide an increase in weekly benefits during training.

For any questions or comments, please contact the Office of Workers' Claims at (502) 564-5550 and ask for the Rehabilitation unit.