No one likes to think they may become permanently disabled, but the truth is a disabling condition can happen to anyone at any time. If you become disabled and cannot perform your job duties, it may be reassuring to know about the benefits you could receive and how to apply for those benefits.
Each membership tier has different benefits and eligibility requirements, which you can find in your plan booklet on our publications page at www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/publications/index.php.
You may be eligible to apply for a service retirement benefit and more than one type of disability retirement benefit. If so, you can file your service retirement and all of your disability retirement applications at the same time. If you are approved for more than one benefit, you may choose which benefit you want to receive. But if you file a service retirement application along with your disability retirement application, and the disability application is denied, you cannot withdraw your service retirement application if it is on or after the effective date of retirement. You can find a list of all the Disability Retirement Applications on our website at www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/forms/index.php#disability.
If your application meets the filing requirements, the medical evaluation process will begin. We will reques t medical reports from the doctors and treatment facilities you listed on your application, and we may also ask you to make an appointment with one or more independent medical examiners whose specialty relates to your disability. A medical or administrative review board will then make a determination regarding your eligibility.
If you decide to apply for a disability retirement, don't delay filing your application. There are firm deadlines, and failure to file within the time limits will make you ineligible for a benefit.
For more information on applying for a disability retirement, including some of the rules that determine your benefit, please visit our Disability Retirements page at www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/members/disabilityretirements.php.
Every month state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, sole trustee of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System, provides information on the system, which delivers retirement benefits to many NYSUT School-Related Professionals and other support staff. If you are an ERS member with a question of general interest, email united@nysutmail.org.
For immediate assistance, contact the ERS Call Center toll-free at 866-805- 0990, or 518-474-7736 in the Capital District area.
NYSUT ERS Consultants
Most NYSUT School-Related Professionals* belong to the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System (ERS). NYSUT ERS consultants are available to help SRP members navigate through the retirement system. Consultants can answer questions, provide forms and help members contact the ERS. Contact any one of our consultants for assistance.
*Note: Certified teaching assistants belong to the state Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
Every month state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, sole trustee of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System, provides information on the system, which delivers retirement benefits to many NYSUT School-Related Professionals and other support staff. If you are an ERS member with a question of general interest, email united@nysutmail.org.
For immediate assistance, contact the ERS Call Center toll-free at 866-805- 0990, or 518-474-7736 in the Capital District area.
ERS workshops for SRP members
NYSUT encourages SRP locals to keep members up to date with the retirement system's benefits and information. Bringing members together for an ERS informational workshop is a great way to get the tools needed to begin planning for retirement.
All other leaders should contact their NYSUT Regional Office to bring in a representative from the Employees' Retirement System to conduct a workshop for your local.