You are entitled to occupational rehabilitation services if you are of working age (from age 16 until retirement age) and

• you have a health-related impediment and
  • you are registered as unemployed (except if you are unemployed with incapacity for work);
  • you are employed (including if you have incapacity for work);
  • you are acquiring basic, general secondary, vocational or higher education (except if you are a student with incapacity for work);
• you are on long-term sick leave (starting from the 61st day of the sick leave).

If you are an employee with incapacity for work, you can choose between social and occupational rehabilitation.

You are entitled to occupational rehabilitation services if

• you are younger than 16;
• you have reached retirement age, are receiving an early old age pension or a rescue servant allowance while awaiting retirement pension;
• you are receiving social rehabilitation services.

Your need for occupational rehabilitation will be assessed by an Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund case manager, and we ask you to register an appointment with them. To do this, contact your nearest  Unemployment Insurance Fund office.

If it is determined that you need rehabilitation services, a case manager will guide you through the next steps if necessary. You can choose the rehabilitation institution that suits you best. You will need to contact the institution yourself and arrange a suitable time to receive the service. Introductions and contact details of rehabilitation institutions can be found on the fund’s website.

Tasks of the occupational rehabilitation team

The occupational rehabilitation team includes various specialists (social worker, psychologist, peer counsellor, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and others), who will

• help you find motivation and boost your self-confidence;
• support you in finding a job and adjusting to working life;
• provide guidance on how to carry out work tasks and, if necessary, also advise the employer on how to better organise the work or adapt the work environment;
• teach you how to use various assistive tools and provide counselling in different ways.

If you are unemployed, the rehabilitation team will help you identify a suitable field of work based on your health condition, support you in finding and applying for jobs and assist in developing your work capacity.

If you are employed, the rehabilitation team will assess the suitability of your current job, tasks and ‑environment, teach ergonomic work techniques and support you in maintaining your employment.

If you are studying (in a vocational school or university), the rehabilitation team will support you with any limitations, your continuation of studies and choice of workplace, so that you can enter employment after completing your studies.

If you are on long-term sick leave, but according to your doctor you can work during sick leave, the rehabilitation team will support your return to work under adjusted conditions. The goal is to ensure that you do not harm your health while working.

Occupational rehabilitation does not include

• medical services, massages, salt chambers, cryotherapy;
• diagnosing health conditions or creating treatment plans;
• issuing prescriptions or specialist referrals;
• carrying out procedures;
• assistance in case of mental or physical health deterioration, exacerbation or recovery.

To receive such assistance, it is necessary to consult a general practitioner or a specialist.

The occupational rehabilitation service lasts up to 12 months. It is important that you find the time to use the service and follow recommendations of the rehabilitation specialists. Your own willingness to participate in the rehabilitation service is also very important.

Click on the window below to watch a video introducing the service (on Estonian).

The occupational rehabilitation service is co-financed by the European Union.

Additional information

• Employment Programme 2024-2029