Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024
(1)
Am I
eligible for a PSERS disability benefit? You are eligible for a
disability benefit if, at the time of your separation from employment, you are
totally incapacitated to perform the duties of your job or any other PSERS
position for which you are qualified by training or experience. Objective
medical evidence is required to establish total incapacitation. Vocational
and/or occupational evidence may be required at the discretion of the
department.
(2)
If eligible,
what will I receive as a monthly disability allowance?
(a) If you have at least 10 years of service
credit in PSERS, you will receive a monthly allowance equal to two percent of
your AFC times your service credit years, permanently actuarially reduced to
reflect the difference in the number of years between your age when you
separate for disability and age 60. Your monthly allowance may be
further reduced to offset the cost of the benefit option you choose. See WAC
415-106-600.
(b) If you have less
than 10 years of service credit, you will receive a monthly
allowance1 equal to two percent of your AFC times
your service credit years, permanently actuarially reduced to reflect the
difference in the number of years between your age when you separate for
disability and age
65. Your monthly allowance may be further
reduced to offset the cost of the benefit option you choose. See WAC
415-106-600.
1You may choose to receive
a lump sum payment instead of a monthly allowance if your initial monthly
allowance will be less than $50. See RCW 41.37.200.
See WAC 415-02-320 for early retirement factors and
examples.
(3)
Once my application is approved, when will my monthly allowance
begin?
(a) Your disability allowance
will accrue from the first day of the calendar month immediately following your
separation from employment. If you are continuing to earn service credit while
on paid leave or through programs such as shared leave, you are not considered
to be separated from employment.
(b) Your first payment will include all
retroactive benefits to which you are entitled.
(c) Department approval will expire 90 days
after the approval date if you have not officially separated from PSERS
employment.
(i) If you are continuing to
perform the duties of your position or another PSERS position, you may reapply
for disability benefits according to WAC 415-106-490 if your condition
worsens.
(ii) If you are on leave,
the department may reinstate approval upon your request and your employer's
verification of your leave status.
Statutory Authority:
RCW
41.50.050(5),
41.37.010(4), 41.37.090(3),
41.37.100,
41.37.200,
41.37.230,
41.50.165, and chapter 41.54 RCW.
08-02-046, §415-106-500, filed 12/27/07,
effective 1/27/08.
