Disability Benefits for Active Judges

If you become disabled, but are not yet eligible to retire, you may qualify for a disability benefit based on your annual salary. You must be totally and permanently disabled as certified by the Kansas Supreme Court. You will continue receiving service credit and basic life insurance coverage for approved disability periods. You can also continue any optional insurance coverage.

Disability benefits are calculated using the following formula:
Final average salary  x  3.5 percent  x  years of service  =  annual disability benefit

Example: $85,000  x  3.5%  x  20  =  $59,500 annual benefit

The minimum benefit is 50 percent of your final average salary and the maximum is 70 percent.

Continuing Eligibility Requirements and Age Limits
If you are on disability, the Kansas Supreme Court may require examinations by a court-appointed physician at any time. Disability benefits will stop if you are no longer permanently disabled.

At age 65, disability benefits end and you must apply for retirement benefits. Your retirement benefit will be calculated with the additional service credit you received while on disability. If you have been disabled and off the payroll for more than five years, your final average salary will be recalculated to determine your retirement benefits. This will help your salary better reflect increases in the cost of living since you have been off the payroll.

Applying for Disability Benefits
To apply for disability benefits, an application must be filed with the Clerk of the Kansas Supreme Court. Contact your designated agent for details.