Vocational Rehabilitation (Vocational Rehab) is a program that helps people with physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. Here in Florida, the Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational Rehabilitation administers the program. Their mission is “to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.” Their vision is “to become the first place people with disabilities turn when seeking employment and a top resource for employers in need of qualified employees.”
Vocational Rehab has specific programs designed to help eligible individuals with disabilities become employed. However, because of limited funding and increasing demand, Florida Vocational Rehab currently operates under a prioritization methodology called the Order of Selection. Federal regulations require that when a program cannot serve all eligible individuals who apply due to resource constraints, it must prioritize services to individuals with the most significant barriers to employment.
Florida has three categories:
- Category 1: An individual with the most significant disability.
- Category 2: An individual with a significant disability.
- Category 3: An individual with a disability.
Depending on your category and the availability of services, they may put your name on a waiting list for services. Your category is based on the type of help you need to get and keep a job, and how long you may need that help. They do not take into account the cause of your disability.
Examples of Vocational Rehab Services:
- Medical and Psychological Assessment
- Vocational Evaluation and Planning
- Career Counseling and Guidance
- Training and Education After High School
- Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations
- Job Placement
- Job Coaching
- On-the-Job Training
- Supported Employment
- Assistive Technology and Devices
- Time-Limited Medical and/or Psychological Treatment
What Does This Have To Do With My Social Security Disability Claim?
Many people with disabilities are not aware of the Vocational Rehabilitation benefits program. We want to make sure that claimants are aware of all benefit programs that may be available to them. In Florida, the state pays for Vocational Rehab. In fact, if Vocational Rehab determines that medical treatment is appropriate, Vocational Rehab may even pay for you to get medical care. You can then use those medical records in your disability claim.
If Vocational Rehab places you in a job that is appropriate for your background and medical condition, then you may not even need disability.
However, if Vocational Rehab decides that you are unable to work, then you can use Vocational Rehab’s final report as evidence of your inability to work in your Social Security disability claim.
For more information or to apply for services, please contact your local Vocational Rehab office. If you’d like to speak with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney, contact us online or call us at (888) 321-8131 to schedule a consultation. We can help you evaluate your claim to determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits and how to move forward with the process.
