Disability & Industrial Disability Retirement Overview

Disability Retirement
If you have an injury or illness that prevents you from performing your usual duties, you may be eligible for a disability retirement. The cause of your disability does not need to be related to your employment. If your disability retirement is approved, you will receive a monthly retirement payment for the rest of your life (or until you recover from your injury or illness).

You must have at least five years of service credit (State Second Tier members must have 10 years) to be eligible. There are some exceptions to this, so if you don't think you meet this requirement you should contact CalPERS.

There is no minimum age requirement. You can apply for a disability retirement if any of the following apply:

• You are currently in CalPERS-covered employment.
  
  
• You are within four months of your separation from CalPERS-covered employment.
  
  
• You separated or left your job because of a disability and you remained disabled since then.
  
  
• You are on military or approved leave.

Industrial Disability Retirement
If your disability is the result of a job-related illness or injury, and you are a school, local or State safety, State peace officer/firefighter, State industrial, or State patrol member, you may be entitled to an industrial disability retirement. (Local miscellaneous members may be eligible if your employer contracts to provide this.) If you retire, you will receive a monthly retirement payment for the rest of your life (or until you recover from your disabling injury or illness).

There is no minimum age or service requirement for an industrial disability retirement.

Changes Affecting Disability or Industrial Disability Determinations
Assembly Bill 2244 was passed and became effective on January 1, 2007. This bill amends the disability criteria set by the California Supreme Court decision, Nolan v. City of Anaheim, and now requires that a member establish substantial incapacity from his/her usual duties. Be sure to review our Qualifying for a Disability or Industrial Disability information carefully. You'll also find all the forms you'll need for applying for this type of retirement.

Additional Resources
The Application Process
About Service Retirement
A Guide to Completing Your CalPERS Disability Retirement Election Application

Dated: 04-23-2007