Social Services and Rehabilitation

Social Services – A unique service of the Workers' Compensation Board is provided by Social Workers. When a worker becomes disabled through an industrial accident or occupational disease, the impact can be devastating for the worker and the family. The combination of stresses, permanent disability and changed social, financial or personal roles can overwhelm the claimant. When these problems occur, Social Workers are available to discuss the changes that have occurred since the accident and explore possible solutions.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Programs – Rehabilitation is a program offering special services designed to: eliminate the disability, if that is possible, or to reduce or alleviate the disability to the greatest degree possible; help an injured worker to return to work when possible; or to aid the person with a residual disability to live and work at his/her maximum capability. The Board's Rehabilitation staff includes Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, social workers, and claims examiners to coordinate and follow-up on medical and vocational rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation is voluntary except in limited circumstances, it is mandatory under WCL §15.3(v), i.e., 50% or greater scheduled loss of use. Injured workers should contact the Rehabilitation Unit at the nearest Board District Office for questions about rehabilitation or contact the Board at (877) 632-4996.

• Return to Work

Links to Additional Information

• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Social Security Benefits
• NYS Division of Disability Determinations
• NYS Adult Career & Continuing Education Services (ACCES-VR)
• Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management
• New York State Office for the Aging - Local Offices
• Access NYC
• New York City Shelters
• OnTheWagon Drug Treatment Locator