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FAQ: Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

Overview

An injured worker participating in a program with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits under Iowa workers' compensation law.

This page contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the vocational rehabilitation benefits in Iowa.

Legal Advice

The FAQ pages are intended to provide general information about the Iowa workers' compensation system. For resources to help you get legal advice, click here.

Table of Contents

FAQ

What is Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS)?

IVRS is an employment program for individuals who experience a disability. IVRS focuses on service delivery that assists individuals to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment. For those determined eligible, it is an individualized program that delivers employment services based on a unique individualized employment plan. 

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Where can you get more information about Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS)?

For more information about IVRS, click here.

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What are vocational rehabilitation benefits?

A worker may be entitled to payment of $100.00 per week for up to 13 weeks if the worker is actively participating in a vocational rehabilitation program in order to make it possible to return to gainful employment after the work injury.

If the worker continues in vocational rehabilitation, the Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) may extend the $100.00 for an additional 13 weeks.

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Who is entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits?

IVRS makes an independent determination on an individual's eligible for its program. All injured workers may be eligible for IVRS.

However, a worker who sustained a shoulder injury is not entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits under Iowa workers' compensation law even if the worker is participating in the IVRS program.

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What shoulder a worker who sustained a work injury to a shoulder do?

Even though a worker who sustained a work injury to a shoulder is not eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Iowa workers' compensation law, the worker may still apply for and receive services from IVRS.

A worker who sustained a work injury to a shoulder may also be eligible for the vocational education and training program. For more information, click here.

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More Info

For more information about workers' compensation in Iowa, click here.