Disability Retirement
If you develop an illness or sustain an injury that prevents you from working in any occupation, you may be eligible for PEERS disability benefits. The cause of your disability does not have to be work-related.
Disability qualifications:
- Have at least five years of PEERS-covered employment,
- Under age 60,
- Become permanently disabled while working in PEERS-covered employment, or within one year after, if the condition causing the disability begins while you are employed, and
- Incapable of earning a livelihood in any occupation.
Temporary or partial disability benefits are not available under the retirement law. Inability to earn a livelihood in any occupation is a prerequisite for approval of a Disability Retirement Application. PEERS currently defines a “livelihood” as earning $18,000 per year.
If you think you may qualify, or have questions regarding disability retirement, please contact us.
If you qualify for PEERS disability retirement, until you reach age 60, you will receive monthly PEERS disability benefits to help you and your family, as long as you are unable to earn a livelihood in any occupation and do not return to work for a PEERS-covered employer in any capacity. Upon reaching age 60, your benefits are payable regardless of your disability status, unless you return to full-time PEERS-covered employment or exceed the limit on the hours you can work at covered employers on a part-time basis or as a temporary-substitute while receiving disability benefits.
Applying for Disability Benefits
All forms listed below must be completed and returned to PEERS.