About Option 2 benefits

If you are unable to work due to your industrial injury, you may work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to develop a training plan to train you for a new job. Your vocational counselor will discuss with you the vocational process and the options available.

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 is a plan you develop on your own.

Training funds

• When are training funds available?

  Training funds are available on the date the Option 2 order is mailed and after L&I has received and validated the 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, per RCW 51.32.099(4)(b) (www.leg.wa.gov).

• Do Option 2 funds remain available to me for the full 5-years if the claim is reopened and I am found eligible again?

  Yes. However, you will have only 18 months (not 2 full years) of retraining time and the maximum retraining funds in effect when the plan is approved, minus any funds expended under the Option 2 benefit. See RCW 51.32.099(4)(b) (www.leg.wa.gov).

• 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.

  The maximum retraining benefit amount is adjusted July 1 each year based on the average percentage change in tuition for the next the next fall quarter for all Washington Community Colleges.

• What if I have 2 open claims and the plan is approved for both claims, is the total allowable retraining benefit increased?

  No. If you have 2 open claims and select Option 2, the retraining benefit is split between both claims.

  The maximum retraining cost is adjusted July 1 each year based on the average percentage change in tuition for the next the next fall quarter for all Washington Community Colleges.

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

  You have up to 5 years to apply for the training funds. After the Option 2 Vocational Benefits Training Enrollment Application and Verification (F280‑024‑000) form has been received and validated, 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 does the worker determine the remaining balance on his vocational award or training funds?

  The worker can access this information:

  • Claim & Account Center .
  • Option 2 resource staff at 360-902-9135.
  • 800-LISTENS (800-547-8367): The worker has an option from the Claim Info Menu to select #6 and they will hear the message "there is $XXXX.XX remaining for vocational retraining with an end date of XX/XX/XXXX. This balance might not reflect the true balance, as our billing is on a 2 week cycle."

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.
  • 800-LISTENS (800-547-8367).

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

  • Provider Hotline: 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 Vocational Benefits Training Enrollment Application and Verification (F280‑024‑000) form 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.
  • 800-LISTENS (800-547-8367).

  Schools can find billing information on: 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: 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 doesn't have oversight 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 would locate a new school and complete Part A of the Option 2 Vocational Benefits Training Enrollment Application and Verification (F280‑024‑000) form 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?

  If you choose Option 2, you will receive 6 months (180 days) of Option 2 award payments based on your time-loss rate at the time of the order approving Option 2. There are no cost of living increases of the Option 2 award.

• I have chosen Option 2. My employer has been keeping me on salary. Can my employer pay the 6-month 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?

  After 70 days from your Option 2 order, you may request a lump sum payment of the remainder of your award. Lump sum payments are authorized at L&I's discretion.