Reemployment Benefits
The Reemployment Benefits Section oversees the implementation of the retraining program for injured workers within the Alaska workers’ compensation system. The section’s roles include:
- Serving as a resource for injured workers, employers/insurers, and rehabilitation specialists throughout the reemployment process.
- Collaborating with injured workers and their employers/insurers to provide information about the retraining program.
- Assigning injured workers for eligibility evaluations to private sector rehabilitation specialists when deemed appropriate.
- Assessing rehabilitation specialist reports to ascertain eligibility.
- Allocating eligible injured workers seeking retraining to rehabilitation specialists for the development of a retraining plan.
- Reviewing retraining plans for approval or denial upon request from the injured worker or employer/insurer when an agreement cannot be reached.
- Assisting injured workers and their employers/insurers in resolving disputes related to retraining benefits without resorting to litigation.
- Conducting proceedings to determine the injured worker’s cooperation with the retraining plan.
For Injured Workers:
If you sustained an injury on or after November 7, 2005, note the following:
- If your claim has been accepted by the insurer and you have been entirely unable to return to your job for 45, 60, or 90 consecutive days due to the injury, these milestones are significant. The law mandates that you be notified of your retraining rights after 45 consecutive days. If you haven’t received communication by the 60th day, please reach out to us.
- If you have been wholly unable to return to your job for 60 to 89 consecutive days, either you or the insurer can request an evaluation of your eligibility for reemployment benefits (retraining). The request may be approved, and you will be assigned to a rehabilitation specialist for an assessment if medical documentation is provided to this office, demonstrating that your injury may permanently prevent your return to the job.
- If you have been completely unable to return to your job for 90 consecutive days due to the injury, we are legally required to assign a rehabilitation specialist for an eligibility evaluation to determine if you qualify for reemployment benefits. Please contact us if you haven’t received notification of an evaluation within ten days of this milestone.
For injuries occurring before November 7, 2005, please contact our office for information regarding eligibility for retraining benefits.
Reemployment Benefits Documents
Guide for Preparing Reemployment Benefits Eligibility Evaluations (Form 07-6161)
Eligibility Evaluation Checklist (Form 07-6150)
Offer of Alternative Employment (Form 07-6151)
Reemployment Benefits Plan Checklist (Form 07-6171)
