What reimbursements can you get through California Workers’ Compensation?
If you’ve been injured on the job in California, you're probably dealing with more than just physical recovery. From medical bills to time off work, the financial stress can pile up fast. But here’s the good news: the California workers’ compensation system offers Mileage Reimbursements and Medical reimbursements that could put money back in your pocket.
Unfortunately, many injured workers don’t know these benefits exist, and insurance companies aren’t in a rush to tell you. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common types of workers’ comp reimbursements in California, based on insights from our Co-founder Bilal Kassem of Pacific Workers.
1. Mileage and travel reimbursement
Can you get reimbursed for driving to doctor appointments? Yes
Under California workers’ comp, you can receive mileage reimbursement when traveling to and from:
Medical appointments
Physical therapy
Pharmacy visits
Diagnostic tests (MRI, X-rays, etc.)
You’re also eligible to be reimbursed for:
Bridge tolls
Parking fees
Public transportation costs
Travel expenses for long-distance appointments
The IRS sets the mileage reimbursement rate (currently around 70 cents per mile). Over time, this can add up to thousands of dollars, especially if your doctor isn't nearby. The percentage varies annually; check out the form for each year by clicking here.
Remember: you don't need to keep receipts to get reimbursed. You just have to put the mile distance from one place to another along with the date they went. Even over-the-counter medication is also reimbursed if the doctor prescribes it or tells you it's needed for your injuries.
2. Out-of-Pocket medical expenses (sometimes)
If you paid for your own medical treatment before your claim was accepted or while it was wrongfully denied, you might be reimbursed, depending on the situation.
This applies to:
Early doctor visits before a work injury was recognized
Treatments paid during a claim denial
Medical care that was wrongly denied by the insurance company
⚠️ You won’t be reimbursed for non-approved treatments, elective cosmetic procedures, or unrelated body parts. The care must be considered reasonable, necessary, and related to your work injury.
3. Prescription reimbursements
If a medication was approved but you had to pay out-of-pocket due to authorization delays or pharmacy issues, you may be eligible for prescription reimbursement.
However, if the prescription was denied, you won’t be reimbursed if you choose to purchase it on your own. The system only pays for authorized medications.
4. Reimbursement for vacation and sick time
If your benefits were delayed and you used vacation time or sick leave to cover your lost wages, you may still be entitled to temporary disability compensation—even though you used your own earned time off.
This ensures you get paid the benefits you were owed, instead of covering the time off from your own resources.
5. Job Retraining Voucher (Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit)
One of the most valuable reimbursements in the California workers’ compensation system is the Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher (SJDB).
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job and your employer can’t accommodate your restrictions, you may be eligible for a $6,000 voucher that can be used for:
Tuition and vocational training
Approved institutions (like Cal State Universities or online programs)
Up to $1,000 for a laptop
$500 in miscellaneous expenses (no receipts required)
This benefit helps injured workers retrain for new careers and re-enter the workforce.
6. Penalties and compensation for delays
While not a traditional reimbursement, insurance companies can face penalties for unreasonable delays or denials of care. If you paid out-of-pocket during these delays, you may be compensated for:
Denied or delayed medical treatments
Missed benefit payments
Unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses caused by the delay
How long do reimbursements take?
Reimbursements aren't instant. The average timeline is 45–60 days, but some cases take longer. It often depends on whether the insurance adjuster cooperates or if your attorney needs to push for action through a workers’ comp hearing.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Money You’re Owed
If you’re navigating the California workers’ compensation system, don’t leave money on the table. From travel expenses to retraining programs, you may be entitled to valuable reimbursements, but only if you know to ask for them.
Important: These benefits are rarely explained clearly, and insurance companies won’t remind you about them. Always speak to a workers’ compensation attorney if you're unsure. A free consultation could help you recover thousands of dollars in unpaid benefits.
Need help filing a Mileage Reimbursement?
Check out our YouTube video for a step-by-step guide on how to file your mileage claim and get paid faster.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
For additional information, call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. Hablamos español.
About the Author
Bilal Kassem President and Co-founder
Bilal Kassem is the co-founder of Pacific Workers and a nominee for Applicant Attorney of the Year. With a deep-rooted passion for helping injured workers, Bilal leads with empathy and empowers his team to deliver world-class service from the very first interaction.
Bilal has played a key role in educating injured workers on how California’s workers’ compensation system works. He helps clients understand their rights and equips them with the tools they need to access fair compensation, including medical reimbursements, travel expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs that injured workers often face during their recovery.