What is vocational rehabilitation in Canadian workers' comp?
Vocational rehabilitation, called Work Reintegration in Ontario and labour-market re-entry in other provinces, helps an injured worker who cannot return to their old job retrain for suitable new employment. The board funds services such as skills assessment, education, tuition, and on-the-job training while continuing wage-loss benefits.
Do I keep getting paid during retraining?
Generally yes. While you participate in an approved work reintegration plan, the board continues your loss-of-earnings benefits, typically 85% of net average earnings in Ontario. This lets you focus on retraining without losing income support during the program.
What costs does a work reintegration plan cover?
Plans can cover tuition and books, training equipment, travel to training, skills and vocational assessments, resume and job-search support, and on-the-job training subsidies to an employer. The goal is to restore your earning capacity in a suitable occupation.
What happens after the retraining plan ends?
When the plan ends, the board assesses whether you can now earn wages in a suitable occupation. If you still have a residual earnings loss, a partial loss-of-earnings benefit may continue based on your restored earning capacity versus your pre-injury earnings.