Option 2 Questions & Answers

About Option 2 benefits

If you are unable to work due to your industrial injury, L&I or your self-insured employer may refer you to work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to consider whether you may be eligible for retraining and, if so, develop a training plan for a new job. Your VRC will discuss with you the vocational process, the options available, and when and how you can elect the option you prefer.

Once the training plan is approved by L&I, there are 2 options:

• Option 1 is to participate in the plan approved by L&I.
• Option 2 allows you access to training funds to use for a plan you develop on your own. You have access to these funds for 5 years.

Training funds

• When are training funds available?

  Training funds are available on the date L&I mails you a legal order and notice confirming your Option 2 selection and after L&I has received and validated your school enrollment form.

• Are on-the-job training and self-employment goals eligible for Option 2?

  No. Option 2 retraining funds can be spent only for programs or courses at an accredited or licensed institution or L&I-approved program.

• Do I have to use the retraining benefit for tuition or can I receive the cash?

  The vocational retraining benefit isn't a cash award. The funds must be used for training expenses.

• If I select Option 2 but delay retraining until a later date, what oversight is required?

  You have up to five years to apply to use the training funds. After the Option 2 Training Application form (F280‑024‑000) has been received and we validate the eligibility of the school and/or program, the Option 2 vocational costs are paid. Costs associated with training will be paid as long as it's one of the following:

  • A licensed or accredited school or training program.
  • An L&I approved school or training program
• If I select Option 2 and choose to use retraining funds at a later date, are time-loss benefits reinstated?

  No, you aren't paid time-loss for attending school under Option 2.

• How can I determine the remaining balance on my vocational award or training funds?

  You can access this information:

  • Claim & Account Center .
  • Option 2 resource staff at 360-902-9135.

Training programs

• How do I find out if a school or training program is licensed, accredited, or approved by L&I?

  You can call:

  • Option 2 assistance staff at 360-902-9135.
  • 1-800-LISTENS (800-547-8367).

  The school or training program can verify their provider number or obtain a provider number by contacting:

  • Provider Hotline: 1-800-848-0811.
  • Becoming an L&I Provider.
• How do I inform a school of my Option 2 benefits? How does the school verify that funds are available and submit bills?

  You complete Part A of the Option 2 Training Application form (F280‑024‑000) and then give it to the school or training program to complete Part B.

  As part of the enrollment application, you sign an authorization allowing L&I or your Self-Insured claims representative to discuss Option 2 benefits with the school and other providers associated with the training plan. As soon as the school completes Part B and sends the form to L&I, we can discuss training funds available.

  You can check your available training balance:

  • The Claim and Account Center .
  • Option 2 assistance staff: 360-902-9135.
  • 1-800-LISTENS (800-547-8367).

  
  

  Schools can find information on how to bill at: Billing L&I.

• Can the school call the Provider Toll-Free line to determine if I am entitled to L&I retraining funds?

  Yes, once we have the authorization to release claim information to the school or training facility. They can contact:

  • Provider Toll-Free: 1-800-848-0811.
  • Option 2 assistance staff: 360-902-9135.
• What happens if I select Option 2 and the school closes or the requirements change?

  Because L&I does not oversee a plan under Option 2, you would need to work with the school or training program to address a change in the requirements.

  If the school closes, you can locate a new school and complete Part A of the Option 2 Training Application form (F280‑024‑000) and give it to the new school or training program so that they can fill out Part B.

Vocational awards

• What is the Option 2 vocational award?

  The Option 2 vocational award provides funds intended to support your transition from time-loss to claim closure and, depending on your plans for training, into schooling. The amount paid depends on the time-loss benefit rate you were entitled to and the date your training plan was approved.

• I have chosen Option 2. My employer has been keeping me on salary. Can my employer pay the vocational award?

  The vocational award isn't a time-loss replacement benefit and isn't a benefit that the law allows the employer to pay directly. You may receive your vocational award and your salary at the same time.

• Will the vocational award change if my children are no longer eligible dependents?

  No, the vocational award isn't time-loss and won't change. It will be based on the time-loss rate at the time the Option 2 order is issued.

• Can I receive the Option 2 vocational award in a lump sum payment?

  Lump sum payments are authorized at L&I's discretion. You may request a lump sum payment and, if approved, L&I will send a payment for the remainder of your award once 60 days or more have passed from the mailing date on your claim closing order.