If you’ve been injured on the job in Washington state and your workers’ compensation claim qualifies for vocational retraining, you may be faced with a critical decision: Should you choose Option 2 retraining from the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)? This choice can significantly impact your future employment, financial stability, and medical benefits. Let’s break down what Option 2 is, how it compares to Option 1, and whether it’s the right move for you.
When L&I approves a vocational retraining plan for an injured worker, you’re given two options:
Option 2 allows you to take control of your vocational future. You’ll receive:
However, choosing Option 2 also means your claim will close, and you’ll lose access to time-loss compensation and medical benefits related to your injury.
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 |
| Plan Type | L&I-approved plan | Self-directed plan |
| Time-Loss Compensation | Continues during training as long as you participate and meet all the requirements of the approved plan. | Ends and your claim will close. You will receive a vocational award equal to 9 months of time-loss compensation, paid out every 2 weeks. |
| Medical Benefits | Continue during training as long as you participate and meet all the requirements of the approved plan. | End and your claim will close. |
| Training Funds | $20,914.12* | $20,914.12* |
| Time to Use Funds | 2 years | 5 years |
| Flexibility | Limited to approved plan | Full control over training path |
* The maximum retraining cost is adjusted July 1 each year and the new amount is available for plans approved on or after July 1.
Option 1 is more structured and safer for those who need ongoing medical care or financial support during retraining. Option 2 is ideal for workers who are ready to move forward independently and want more time and flexibility to pursue a career change.
Option 2 may be a good fit if:
For example, if your VRC recommends a short-term certificate in office administration but you’ve always wanted to pursue a degree in graphic design, Option 2 gives you the freedom to do that, as long as it fits within the budget and timeline.
While Option 2 offers flexibility, it also comes with risks:
Before choosing Option 2, ask yourself:
At Emery | Reddy, PC, we strongly recommend speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before making this decision. Your VRC works for L&I or your self-insured employer, not for you. Their recommendations may not align with your best interests.
Our legal team has decades of experience helping injured workers navigate the complexities of L&I claims, vocational rehabilitation, and retraining options. We can:
Choosing Option 2 is a one-time decision that can’t be reversed once your claim is closed. Don’t make it alone.
Option 2 retraining can be a powerful tool for injured workers who want to take control of their future. But it’s not for everyone. Before making your decision, weigh the benefits and risks carefully and consult with professionals.
If you’re unsure, contact Emery | Reddy for a Free Case Review. We’ll help you make the best choice for your health, finances, and career.
Whether you’ve been injured on the job, subjected to mistreatment in the workplace, or affected by a privacy breach, our expert attorneys are here to help.
