Labour Market Re-entry - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Labour Market Re-entry (LMR) at WSIB?
A: LMR is a program designed to help you re-enter the labour market when you and the WSIB determine that it is unlikely you will return to work with your accident employer. There are times when an LMR program can assist you to return to your accident employer in a suitable job. Ideally, LMR will assist you to return to work at the earnings status you had before your injury/illness. Where this is not possible, LMR will assist you to re-enter the labour market in a job that will allow for the greatest restoration of your wages and is physically suitable for you.
2. What is an LMR Assessment?
A: It is an evaluation created by your Case Manager. You will usually be asked to provide information such as work history, including jobs, duties and accomplishments, hobbies, interests and volunteer activities, and educational background – including formal education and personal interest courses. The service provider may use additional evaluations which assess achievement levels and aptitudes. Some examples of additional evaluation tools include psycho-vocational evaluations, vocational/transferable skills or assessments, and functional abilities evaluations.
3. What is Suitable Employment or Business (SEB)?
A: A SEB is a category of jobs that match your skills and physical abilities, and bring you as close to your pre-accident earnings as possible.
4. Who conducts the LMR assessment and how is it done?
A: The WSIB may gather the necessary information to create an LMR Plan or, if appropriate, may arrange for an external agency (LMR service provider) to conduct the LMR assessment.
5. What is an LMR service provider?
A: LMR service providers are private companies, under contract with the WSIB, that provide vocational rehabilitation services designed to help you develop your job skills or obtain new ones for returning to suitable work. When you are referred to an LMR service provider, a Case Manager or consultant from the company will contact you. These individuals work for private firms that the WSIB has hired. Your adjudicator at the WSIB will be available to discuss any aspect of your experience with the LMR service provider.
6. What is my role in an LMR assessment?
A: You are expected to participate with the WSIB and your service provider in the LMR assessment and in the development of your LMR plan.
7. What is an LMR plan?
A: An LMR plan is a step-by-step list of activities that you will be doing to prepare you to find suitable work. The plan is designed to enhance your existing skills or to provide you with new skills to re-enter the labour market at the identified SEB. The LMR plan is developed by the service provider and approved by WSIB. The WSIB will pay all related costs approved in the LMR plan. A plan may include programs such as:
- English as a second language (ESL) programs to improve your ability to communicate in English
- Academic upgrading programs to improve basic academic skills, such as math, science or English
- Skills training programs to improve existing job skills and/or teach new skills
- Formal training or academic programs may be part of an LMR plan if the LMR assessment indicates that you have the aptitude and ability to complete the program and that such training is necessary to help you return to suitable work
- Job search training (JST) programs to provide basic job search skills to help you look for work and apply for jobs.
LMR plans can include:
- The name of each training agency or school
- Information about the programs to be taken
- The start and end dates for each program
- Details of all costs for each program (e.g., training costs, travel costs, modifications, or assistive devices).
8. What does the WSIB consider before approving the LMR plan?
A: The WSIB looks at:
- How the plan will help you to return to work
- Whether you have the ability to complete the activities suggested, both physically and academically
- Whether the plan brings you as close to pre-accident earnings as possible.
9. What if I still think there is a return to work opportunity with my accident employer? What can I do?
A: If at any point along the way you think that suitable work is available with your employer, contact your Adjudicator and LMR provider to discuss this.
10. What happens after the LMR plan is approved?
A: Once the WSIB has approved the LMR plan, you will receive a letter with details of the plan and the WSIB’s expectations while you are in the program. We will also send a copy of the letter to your accident employer.
11. What if I don’t agree with the SEB and/or LMR plan the WSIB approves?
A: The WSIB will provide you with a letter confirming the approved SEB and LMR plan. If you don’t agree with the SEB selected or the LMR plan you have 30 days after the decision is made to object to the decision. Your objection should be submitted to the WSIB in writing.
12. Who pays my benefits while I’m in an LMR plan?
A: The WSIB will continue to pay your loss of earnings benefits while you fully participate in the plan.
13. What if I have questions about my LMR plan or benefits, or if something affects my participation in LMR?
A: If you have any questions or if there are any changes that affect your participation in the LMR plan, contact your Adjudicator, Nurse Case Manager, or your LMR service provider or Case Manager as soon as possible.
14. Who pays my approved expenses while I’m in an LMR program?
A: The WSIB approves and pays for expenses related to your LMR assessment and approved LMR plan. You will receive the money for these expenses directly from your LMR service provider. Typical approved expenses in an LMR plan:
- registration fees
- tuition
- examination fees
- text books
- course materials (items or supplies specifically required for a course or project)
- tutor assistance, and/or
- transcript fees.
The WSIB does not pay for school-related or personal supplies (e.g., pens, pencils, writing paper, and backpack).
15. What are my responsibilities in LMR?
A: You will need to fully participate in the programs and assessments that are arranged for you. Participation means:
- Keeping in touch with the WSIB and the LMR service provider
- Informing the WSIB and the LMR service provider of any changes that
- affect your participation
- Working with your Case Manager to develop a realistic SEB
- Keeping appointments
- Meeting deadlines and target dates outlined in the plan
- Regularly attending any training sessions
- Doing everything you can to make sure that your program is successful.
16. What if my condition worsens while I am in an LMR assessment or plan?
A: If your condition worsens, see your health care professional and contact your Adjudicator or Nurse Case Manager, as well as your LMR Case Manager. We will do everything we can to help you and keep your LMR plan on track. This may involve changing or revising some of your activities. Each case is reviewed individually.
17. What happens once I’ve completed my LMR plan? What help will I get in finding a job?
A: We cannot guarantee an actual job at the end of your LMR plan. As part of your LMR plan, you will receive training in job search techniques, interviewing skills, and developing a résumé.
Once the plan ends, your Adjudicator will review your loss of earnings benefits while you continue to look for work.
18. What happens to my Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits once my LMR plan ends?
A: Your LOE benefits will be recalculated when:
- You have completed your LMR plan or
- You get a job before the end of your plan, or
- You decide to discontinue your LMR plan.
You may still be entitled to a partial LOE benefit after your LMR services are completed. This partial LOE benefit is based on 85 percent of the difference between your pre-injury wages and the wages you are considered able to earn in your job category at the completion of your LMR plan.
19. What should I do if I have difficulty understanding the LMR program/process?
A: You may contact your WSIB claims adjudicator, the case manager from your LMR service provider, your union or other worker representative, or the Office of the Worker Adviser.
If you were injured before Jan 1, 1998, there may be some difference in this information. Please contact your Adjudicator if you have any questions.
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