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SERS reviews non-occupational, occupational and temporary disability benefits and filing requirements
Summary
The presenter explained eligibility, waiting periods, benefit rates and offsets for SERS disability types and described required agency reporting and forms for disability claims.
SERS reviewed the three disability benefit categories in its system — non-occupational, occupational and temporary — and outlined eligibility criteria, waiting periods, payment calculations and required agency actions.
For non-occupational disability (non-work-related), SERS said the member must have an approved medical leave of absence, the disability must continue beyond 30 days from the medical onset or last wage payment, and the member must have at least 18 months of credited service (reciprocal service may be included). Benefits generally begin on the 31st day after medical onset and end when the member returns to work, becomes gainfully employed, exhausts half their service credit limit, or reaches age 65. Tier 1 non-occupational benefits pay 50% of the member's monthly rate of pay or FAC (whichever is higher); Tier 2 pays 50% of FAC. SERS noted benefit amounts are reduced by Social Security disability or retirement benefits for members at full retirement age.
For occupational disability (work-related), SERS requires a filed claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, receipt of TTD benefits or a workers' compensation settlement, submission of SERS occupational disability application and supporting documents, and a SERS disability determination. Tier 1 occupational benefits are 75% of FAC or monthly rate (whichever is greater); Tier 2 is 75% of FAC. Those payments are offset by workers' compensation payments.
Temporary disability was described as available when a member's workers' compensation claim is denied and is under appeal; an approved medical leave is not required, and members need at least 18 months of service credit. Temporary benefits start on the 31st day from last paid date and are reduced by Social Security disability or retirement at full retirement age. SERS advised agencies not to put members back on payroll while a disability benefit is in effect and explained the process for reporting members on disability via the Employer Dashboard (Manage Employee on Disability → select action → enter date). The presenter also covered the required employer forms (e.g., job duty statement 39 35) and where to send completed documentation.
