Disability Retirement

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

Determining your eligibility for disability retirement is based on a number of factors, including laws, the type of disability, your Tier and Plan, and years of service. To simplify, we’ll consolidate the various disability laws into two main categories: Ordinary Disability and Accident Disability.

Your application for disability retirement must list all disabling conditions preventing you from performing the duties of your job. Disabling conditions not listed on your application will not be considered when your case is deliberated.

NYCERS is committed to providing a seamless experience for you throughout the disability retirement application process.

One way we’re achieving this goal is by assigning a Case Manager to you after your disability application is received.

After your interview, the Medical Board will make a recommendation to NYCERS’ Board of Trustees to approve, defer, or deny your application for disability retirement.

You will be notified in writing of the Medical Board’s recommendation within 30 days after your interview and given your options for next steps.

Additionally, you will receive the Medical Board Report detailing the Medical Board’s recommendation within 60 days of your interview.

Both documents are mailed to you and made available in your MyNYCERS account. 

The Medical Board consists of a body of three physicians who are independent of NYCERS.

Once you have submitted all supporting documents and your case manager determines your application is complete, you will be scheduled for your interview with the Medical Board. (Translation and sign language services are available upon request.)

Complete this form only if you are terminally or gravely ill and need to apply for a Disability benefit, or if you have already applied and need to notify NYCERS of the gravity of your illness.