If you become permanently incapacitated because of employment
with an SBCERA employer, you may be eligible for a Disability
Retirement. Permanently incapacitated means you are physically or
mentally incapacitated from performing the usual duties of your
job. It can also be described as the substantial inability to
perform your usual job duties, although, it is not necessary for
you to be physically or mentally incapable for performing each
and every duty or task that might arise within your job
classification. The incapacity is permanent if change, for the
better or worse, is not to be reasonably anticipated under usual
standards.
Types of Disability Retirement
There are two types of Disability Retirements: Service-Connected
and Nonservice-Connected. The requirements and benefit impacts
differ for each type. Below is a summary of each:
-
Service-Connected — Your permanent
incapacity must be a result of an injury or disease arising out
of your employment.
For a Service-Connected Disability Retirement, the monthly
benefit is 50% of your highest final average compensation or
your service retirement benefit amount, whichever is greater.
With a Service-Connected Disability Retirement, 50% of your
highest final average compensation may be excluded from taxable
retirement income. For questions regarding taxation, you should
consult with your tax advisor.
NOTE: Even if you have been found eligible for Workers’
Compensation, you still need to complete all applicable forms
in the Disability Retirement packet. SBCERA may request any
claims and reports you have filed for Workers’ Compensation.
The Board is interested in reviewing any relevant evidence or
reports, but it is not bound by any findings in a Workers’
Compensation determination.
-
Nonservice-Connected – Your permanent
incapacity is not a result of an injury or disease arising out
of your employment. You must have at least five (5) years of
service credit to be considered for a Nonservice-Connected
Disability Retirement. Approved service credit in a system with
reciprocity does count toward the required five
years.
For a Nonservice-Connected Disability Retirement, the monthly
benefit is 20% up to a maximum of 40% of your highest final
average compensation, depending on your years of service credit
or your service retirement benefit amount, whichever is
greater. Your benefit is 100% taxable.