Disability Benefits - KPERS and Correctional Officers
Important: If you were disabled before January 1, 2006, you are covered under a different plan. Please contact the InfoLine for help.
Disability benefits are based on your annual salary. You must be disabled for 180 days and no longer receive employer compensation. You must apply for Social Security benefits and complete any appeal process. Your employer provides this long-term disability benefit. You will continue receiving service credit and basic life insurance coverage for approved disability periods. In addition, you can continue any optional life insurance you have at your current group rate.
Disability Definition
To be considered disabled, you must meet the following definition of disability:
Own Occupation Period. For the first 24 months for which benefits are paid, you must be unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation due to sickness or injury.
Any Occupation Period. After benefits have been paid for 24 months, you must be unable to perform the material and substantial duties of any gainful occupation due to sickness or injury.
Continuing Eligibility Requirements and Age Limits
You must confirm your disability annually. KPERS will send you a letter to have certified by your doctor each year. In addition, time and age limits affect eligibility.
If you become disabled before age 60, you can continue to receive disability benefits until you retire or reach age 65, whichever comes first.
If you become disabled at or after age 60, you can continue to receive disability benefits for five years or until you retire, whichever comes first.
When your disability benefits end, you may apply for retirement benefits. If you are disabled
and off payroll for five or more years, your final average salary may be recalculated to benefit you when determining your retirement benefits.
Apply for Disability Benefits
To apply for KPERS disability benefits, contact your designated agent.