How does Disability Retirement differ from Age and Service Retirement?
- There is no difference in annuity calculation between Disability Retirement and Age and Service Retirement.
- Disability Retirement has no reduction for the member being under age 60 or having service credit less than 25 years for disability retirees as you would for Age and Service Retirement.
- The application process for Disability Retirement is different than the application process for Age and Service Retirement; it involves a different application, requires medical reports, and is subject to review by the medical committe.
Do I have to be approved for Social Security Disability prior to applying for ATRS Disability Retirement?
No. However, a retiree under the age of 57 on their effective retirement date must apply and recieve a determination from Social Security Disability within three (3) years.
Am I eligible for Disability Retirement if I am a T-DROP participant?
No. T-DROP participants are not eligible for Disability Retirement because they already meet the eligibility requirements for regular age and service retirement.
How do I apply for Disability Retirement?
To request a Disability Retirement Application contact our office at (501) 682-1517. The member must submit a completed application and all supporting medical reports to apply for Disabiliy Retirement.
It is the member's responsibility to ensure that their application and supporting documents are received by ATRS while they are still in active status. If the member does not submit the required documentation or submits an incomplete application, they will be allowed six (6) months from the date of receipt to provide the required documentation and/or completed application. At the end of that six (6) month period, an incomplete application will be withdrawn. A member may re-apply, provided they meet eligibility requirements, by submitting a new Disability Retirement Application and supporting medical reports.
How long do I have to submit all the supporting medical reports needed with my Disability Retirement Application?
Once a Disability Retirement Application is received at ATRS, the member will have six (6) months to submit supporting documents or correct an incomplete application. If, at the end of the six (6) month period, the member's application is incomplete or supporting documentation is not provided, the incomplete application will be submitted to the ATRS Medical Committee for review or the member may request the application be withdrawn.
At the end of the six (6) month period, if you have withdrawn your application or your application has not been approved and, if you still meet eligibility requirements, you will be required to begin the Disability Retirement Application process again.
How long does it take to determine eligibility and receive approval?
The ATRS Medical Committee meets monthly. Once ATRS has received the member's correctly completed application and accompanying medical records, the case will be presented at the next regularly scheduled ATRS Medical Committee meeting.
In order to be placed on the Medical Committee meeting agenda, the application and accompanying medical records must be received no later than the Wednesday prior to the regularly scheduled (Wednesday) Medical Committee meeting. Otherwise, the member's case will be presented at the next month's Medical Committee meeting.
How will I know if I have been approved for Disability Retirement?
Once a member is approved for disability retirement, an approval letter will be sent to the member. Forms that must be completed by the member and their former/current emplyer will be included with the letter, along with any additional documentation requests that may be missing from their file. The member has six (6) months to return the completed forms; otherwise the application will be withdrawn. An active member must terminate from their position within two (2) calendar months of their disability approval, or their application will be withdrawn. Once all the proper paperwork has been recieved and processed, a final letter will be sent to the member. This will state their monthly annuity amount, and when their disability retirement will begin.
What if my Disability Retirement Application is denied, what are my options?
If disability retirement is denied, the member may submit a new application with additional information for consideration as long as the applicant remains in active status. The member is encouraged to contact the ATRS Disability counselor to discuss their options.
What if I have a terminal illness, is Disability Retirement my best option?
ATRS cannot counsel members on life decisions. However, if a member does have a terminal illness and the member has dependent children, the member is encouraged to contact an ATRS Counselor to discuss other options such as survivor benefits for a dependent child or children.
PLEASE NOTE: It is important to note that survivor benefits for dependent children are based on the member's active status.
What is active status in terms of Disability Retirement?
A member is considered to be active for an additional fiscal year following the last fiscal year the member rendered actual service to an ATRS covered employer and obtained at least one-quarter (¼) year or 40 days of service credit.
As a disability retiree, may I return to work?
A disability retiree is currently allowed to work for an ATRS covered employer for less than 80 days per fiscal year without affecting their status as a disability retiree.
Members are encouraged to contact ATRS at (501) 682-1517 or info@artrs.gov concerning any questions they may have regarding returning to work while on Disability Retirement.
What happens if I die while on Disability Retirement?
As with Age and Service Retirement, disability retirees must select an option for payment of monthly benefits at the time of retirement. However, disability retirees may not select Option C.
Please see Review of Annuity Options, Your Beneficiaries, and Lump Sum Death Benefits for more information.
What happens if my option beneficiary dies while I am on Disability Retirement?
If a retiree selects Option A, 100% Survivor Annuity, or Option B, 50% Survivor Annuity, and his/her spouse dies, the retiree can return (pop-up) to Option 1, Straight Life Annuity. The retiree must report the death to ATRS, complete an ATRS Change of Annuity Option Form, and submit requested documentation. The adjusted benefit will become effective the month following receipt of the Change of Annuity Option form.
What are my options for covering a spouse if Disability Retirement is approved?
A disability retiree may elect to cover a spouse or a dependent child that has been declared incapacitated by a court under by electing Annuity Option A or Option B.
See Review of Annuity Options or contact an ATRS Counselor for more detailed information and estimates.