L&I has funding to help employers modify a job to allow an employee to return to work after a work injury.

This benefit is for workers who have an employer. If there is no employer, see Pre-Job Accommodations.

The Job Modification Benefit:

• Is available to the employer of injury or a new employer.
• Can be for a temporary or permanent job.
• Covers costs for equipment, tools, and changes to the worksite.
• May be up to $5,000 per job or job site.
• Does not directly affect an employer’s rates.

Eligibility

Workers may receive benefits when:

• Their claim is open and covered by L&I or a self-insured employer.
• They have temporary or permanent restrictions from the accepted claim condition.
• They need the modification to return to the job of injury or a new job.

And one of the following applies to the worker:

• They are off work and paid time-loss compensation benefits.
• They received loss of earning power benefits.
• They are paid wages by employer instead of time-loss compensation benefits by L&I.

How to Apply

• For claims covered by L&I: Fax the  Job Modification Assistance Application (F245−346−000) form to the claim file at 360-902-4567.
• Self-insured employers: Send the  Job Modification Assistance Application (F245−346−000) form to L&I's Self-Insurance Section as a reimbursement request.

Need help finding ideas to modify the job?

• Reach out to the Job Accommodation Network.
• Request a job modification consultation by contacting the worker's claim manager.

Find a consultant or vendor

To locate a consultant or vendor, use our Vendor Services Lookup Tool.

Reimbursement

The employer may be reimbursed if an L&I vendor is not used:

• The employer submits a Provider Account Application (F248-011-000), selecting “Job Modification/Pre-Job Modification Supplier” as the type of service.
• Once the employer receives a provider number, send in the Statement for Retraining and Job Modification Services (F245‑030‑000) form with the receipt.

Equipment Returns

If the employer paid for part of the modification or if the equipment is affixed to the work site, the employer may retain the equipment regardless if the worker returned to work successfully.

Return all other equipment from failed modifications promptly to the nearest L&I service location. If unable, contact the claim manager.

Resources

Forms and Publications

• Statement for Retraining and Job Modification Services (F245‑030‑000)
• Job Modification Assistance Application (F245−346−000)
• Frequently Asked Questions about Job Modifications (F245‑057‑000)
• Suggested Format for Job Modification Consultation Report
• Comparison of Job Modification, Washington Stay at Work, and Preferred Worker Benefits (F243-280-000)

Helpful Links

• Job Accommodation Network
• Stay At Work Program
• Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Laws and Rules

• WAC 296-19A-010(9-10):Definitions
• WAC 296-19A-180: When may the department authorize job modifications?
• WAC 296-19A-190: How much is available for job modification assistance?
• WAC 296-19A-200: How does an employer apply for job modification assistance?
• RCW 51.32.095(6): Vocational rehabilitation services — Benefits — Priorities — Allowable costs — Performance criteria.
• RCW 51.32.250: Payment of job modification costs.