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Returning to Work After a Burn Injury

Returning to work after a burn injury is more than just resuming a job; it’s a key step in restoring routine, independence, and confidence.

While it can come with emotional and physical challenges, some resources and strategies can help you return safely and successfully.


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The Role of Work in Recovery

Returning to work—even part-time—can support healing. It offers structure, social connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. Some people feel excited to return, while others may feel anxious, unsure of their readiness, or nervous about how their appearance or physical abilities have changed. 

Tip: A gradual return can be emotionally and physically helpful, even if full recovery hasn’t yet been reached. 

Preparing to Return

There are several ways to ease back into work: 

Stay consistent with your medical treatment

Talk with your health care team about readiness, limitations, and stamina

Use the recovery period to rebuild strength—consider light chores, exercise, or wearing work gear again

Connect with someone who’s been through a similar experience

Consider counseling for emotional preparation

Practice how you’ll respond to questions about your injury or appearance

If you were injured on the job, treatment for PTSD may help

Tip: Keep your employer updated on your progress and interest in returning.

Work Conditioning

If you're physically healed but not yet strong enough to return to work, a work conditioning—or work hardening—program may help. Led by occupational or physical therapists, these programs focus on rebuilding the strength, stamina, and function needed for your specific job.

Workplace Accommodations

You may be eligible for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These accommodations can help support a safe and effective return to work but typically require a formal request.

Tip: Your medical team can provide documentation to help support your accommodation request.

Common accommodations:

  • Modified hours or duties 

  • Limitations on lifting or physical strain 

  • Temperature-controlled environments 

  • Time for medical appointments 

  • Assistive equipment or software 

  • Adaptive tools for physical limitations 

If You Were Injured at Work

Workers’ compensation typically covers treatment, wage support, and return-to-work services after a workplace injury. Your case manager can help guide you through the process, but it is also important to stay actively involved.

Key steps: 

Keep all paperwork and know your claim number

Attend medical appointments to keep your claim active

Communicate with your case manager and respond to all correspondence

Ensure your provider submits required documents

Tip: An Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) may be requested before closing a claim. 

If You Cannot Return to Work 

If your injury prevents you from returning to any job, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits: 

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

For individuals with a work history, coverage includes Medicare after a waiting period. 

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

For low-income individuals, it includes Medicaid coverage.

Apply early, as approval can take time. Also, check if any private disability insurance you have may provide additional support.

Support While Working

Programs like PASS (Plan to Achieve Self Support) and IRWE (Impairment-Related Work Expenses) can help you maintain some disability benefits while working by covering job-related expenses such as training, transportation, or assistive devices.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Whether or not you were injured on the job, vocational rehabilitation can help you retrain, explore job options, and build a new path to employment. 

Ask your health care team for a referral or contact your state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. 

Services may include:

  • Skills assessment and employment planning 

  • Job trials or work simulations 

  • Help finding suitable roles 

  • Assistance with accommodations 

Related Resources

Social Interaction After Burn Injury
Itchy Skin After Burn Injury
Understand and Improve Body Image
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center

Disclaimer 

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your health care provider about returning to work and the support options available to you. 

Attribution 

Adapted from the MSKTC factsheet: Employment After Burn Injury, with contributions from burn care professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and survivors.