Evaluation of the Return-To-Work Fund in California’s Workers’ Compensation System: Performance to Date and Options for Modification

California’s Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP) is a new benefit for permanently disabled workers who suffer disproportionately high earnings loss in comparison with their workers’ compensation benefits. The RTWSP provides a one-time $5,000 payment to workers who cannot return to work following a permanently disabling workplace injury. RAND researchers evaluated the program’s performance and identified options for improving the RTWSP.