What the service is

This is a team-based service where specialists from several fields help restore, maintain or improve work ability and study skills and plan practical steps for labour-market participation. The emphasis is on independence, adapting the work and study environment, and developing job-related skills in a targeted way.

Who the service is for

The service is intended for a person whose health condition causes multiple barriers to taking up or keeping a job and who therefore needs support from a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. It is available to the following groups:

• Registered unemployed – except unemployed persons with zero work ability.
• Employed persons – including employees with zero work ability who need support to retain employment.
• Learners – in basic, upper-secondary, vocational or higher education; learners with zero work ability are an exception.
• Employees on long-term sick leave – starting from the 61st day of the sick leave certificate.

How to access the service

1. Contact your Töötukassa case manager. Together you will set goals and assess the need for work-related rehabilitation based on your limitations and resources.
2. Define goals and choose a provider. Select from Töötukassa partners by region and specialist profile, then agree on the plan and scope.
3. Get the referral and start. The referral sets the period and framework; Töötukassa pays the provider directly.

What the service includes

The exact composition depends on the agreed goals. Typically it includes counselling and practical interventions by a psychologist, special education teacher or speech therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker, employment and career counsellor, and – where appropriate – a peer counsellor. Interventions may take place at the centre and at the workplace and can include work trials, task adaptation, on-the-job coaching, and training in self-regulation and communication skills.

Duration and scope

As a rule, work-related rehabilitation lasts up to one year per referral. The team prepares an action plan with the client that sets goals, activities, and scope. The plan can be updated throughout the period to reflect changes in condition and progress achieved.

Funding

Töötukassa pays the provider directly for work-related rehabilitation. For the client, the service is free of charge when a valid referral is in place. The specific volumes and rules of funding are set by Töötukassa conditions and are reflected in the referral and action plan.

Travel and accommodation compensation

Töötukassa may reimburse travel costs related to participation in the service and, in certain cases, accommodation costs. Detailed conditions, caps, and the application process are described on the Töötukassa website. Compensation may also be available to clients who are not registered as unemployed if they participate in the service on the basis of a Töötukassa referral.

Choosing a provider

You can find a suitable rehabilitation provider via the Töötukassa partner search. Filter by region and specialist profile to choose the partner that best fits your logistics and goals.

Töötukassa contacts

• Information line: 777 3000 (Mon–Thu 08:15–16:15, Fri 08:15–14:00)
• Email: info@tootukassa.ee
• E-service: e-tootukassa
• Provider search: rehabilitatsioonipartnerid

FAQ – quick answers

Do I need to register as unemployed first? Not always. The service is also available to employed and studying persons and to employees on long-term sick leave if they need team support to return to or retain work.

Do I have to pay anything myself? No. With a referral, the service is free because Töötukassa pays the provider directly. If you apply for travel or accommodation compensation, follow the stated rules and deadlines.

How long does it last? Typically up to one year per referral. The exact scope depends on your goals and the agreed action plan.