Below, you’ll find answers to many frequently asked questions regarding the Disability Retirement process.

How long does the disability retirement application process take?

In general, the disability retirement application process can take 6-8 months if you are eligible and submit all required forms and supporting medical evidence in a timely manner. Cases that are deferred or appealed will take longer. 

 Log in to MyNYCERS to apply.

If your health condition worsens before your case is processed, notify NYCERS immediately by submitting a Terminal or Grave Illness Notification.

Do I have to keep working after I apply?  

Whether you continue to work while your disability retirement case is pending is a personal decision you should make in consultation with your physician, family, union and/or employer. NYCERS does not require you to continue working while your disability case is pending. (Exceptions are Tier 1 and 2 members who must remain on payroll – with or without pay - until the NYCERS Medical Board makes its final recommendation.)

If approved, how long before I receive my first payment?

In general, NYCERS will process a partial advance payment within 60 days from the date you were notified that your application was approved.

How can I track the status of my disability retirement application? 

Online: Log in to your MyNYCERS account and click on “Application Tracker” to see the status of your case.

Additionally, your NYCERS Case Manager will remind you of documents you need to submit and upcoming appointments, and will check in with you periodically to provide status updates.

How can I estimate the monthly benefit amount I would receive if approved for disability retirement?

To estimate your disability benefit, see the Calculating the Disability Retirement Benefit section of the Summary Plan Description (SPD) for your Tier and Plan at nycers.org/plan-descriptions.

Are disability retirement benefits taxable?

All Disability Retirement benefits are subject to Federal taxes but are exempt from New York state and local income taxes if you reside in New York.

If you were approved for a Performance-of-Duty Disability Retirement, WTC Accidental Disability Retirement, or an Accidental Disability Retirement, your disability retirement benefit is not taxable.

Can I work while receiving a disability retirement benefit? 

Yes, but you may be subject to earning limitations depending on the specific law under which you retired. To learn more, read Earning Limitations for Disability Retirees Brochure #958 (page 2).

Am I still eligible to apply for a WTC Disability benefit after I retire?

Yes, if you are receiving a Service Retirement benefit, Ordinary Disability Retirement benefit, Performance-of-Duty Disability Retirement benefit, or non-WTC Disability Retirement benefit, you may apply to reclassify your Retirement benefit to a WTC Accidental Disability Retirement benefit.

Learn more at nycers.org/wtc-faqs.

Can I submit my Notice of Participation Form #622 even though I am a current retiree?

Yes, all active, vested, and retired NYCERS members who participated in WTC Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operations between September 11, 2001 and September 12, 2002 can file a Notice of Participation Form #622 until September 11, 2026.

Download Notice of Participation in WTC Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operation Form #622.