BWC Revitalizes Transitional Work Grant (TWG) Program
BWC implemented changes to the TWG program on June 1, 2021, which significantly boosted employers’ interest and participation in the grant program. The TWG program saw a 78.8% increase in applications in just over six months compared to the entire previous year.
The goal of a transitional work program is to facilitate the recovery and return of an employee back to work as soon as medically appropriate following an injury. A timely return-to-work (RTW) can make a significant impact on lowering the employer’s premium and the cost of a workplace injury.
Statistics show that the longer a recovering worker remains off work, the more probable it is that they may never return. There is only a 50% chance an injured employee will RTW after a six-month absence, and this declines to a 25% chance following a one-year absence.
Renewable every five years
One of the changes made in 2021 was employers are now eligible for a TWG every five years. In the event an employer already received a grant, the five years is calculated from the approval date of the employer’s previous grant.
Of the 104 new applications received after this change, 82 of those employers received a grant between 2001 to 2006.
Any unspent approved grant dollars not spent on the initial transitional work program may be used during the 5-year period to purchase additional services to facilitate use of the employer’s program.
No out-of-pocket costs with 100% reimbursement
Another change made in 2021 was the increase of the grant reimbursement to the employer from 75% to 100% of the submitted invoice up to the employer’s maximum grant amount. There is no longer a 25% match required by the employer. These maximum grant amounts are:
11- 49 employees up to $2,900.
50- 199 employees up to $5,200.
200+ employees up to $6,300.