KP&F Disability Benefits

Tier I and Tier II members are covered by different disability benefits. Your employer pays for these benefits. You are not eligible for disability benefits if you are injured while working for any employer other than your KP&F employer.

Tier I, Service-Connected Disability Benefits
You receive an annual disability benefit of 50 percent of your final average salary, in on-going monthly payments. Your children, if eligible, receive an annual benefit of 10 percent of your final average salary. Children are eligible up to age 18, or 23 if a full-time student. The maximum total benefit is 75 percent of your final average salary.

If you have no eligible children, your benefit is the higher of:

• 50 percent of final average salary, or
• Final average salary  x  2.5 percent  x  years of service. The maximum benefit is 80 percent of your final
  average salary.

Tier I, Non Service-Connected Disability Benefits
You receive an annual benefit of your final average salary  x  2.5 percent  x  years of service, in on-going monthly payments. The minimum benefit is 25 percent of your final average salary and the maximum benefit is 80 percent.
You must wait 180 days from the last day you are actively at work to apply for benefits.

Under Tier I, you will remain on disability for the rest of your life unless you return to work for a KP&F participating employer or you are no longer disabled.

Tier II Disability Benefits
Your disability benefits are the same, whether your disability is service-connected or non service-connected. You receive an annual benefit of 50 percent of your final average salary, in on-going monthly payments. There is no waiting period. You will continue receiving service credit until you are no longer disabled or until you are eligible to retire. If you are already eligible to retire, you may not apply for disability.

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.

Working While Receiving Disability Benefits - Tier I and Tier II
If you return to work for a KP&F participating employer, your disability benefits will automatically stop. For Tier II members, disability benefits are reduced $1 for every $2 of earned income over $10,000 subject to Social Security
in a calendar year. Tier I members do not have an earnings limit.

To apply for disability benefits, contact your designated agent.