For some disabling conditions, recovery is gradual and a return to work on a part-time basis is therapeutic. For other conditions, neither the member nor his or her physician can state with precision when recovery is so advanced that a full-time return to work is possible. IMRF recognizes that some members may wish to return to work on a limited basis, known as a trial work period, to see if the member can handle his or her position again.
For a member to be eligible for a trial work period, the member must have been disabled for 30 or more days before he or she returns to work on a limited basis.
During the trial work period, the disability is deemed to continue with service credit and the earnings history treated as though the member is disabled.
Note: an employer is not required to offer a trial work period. However, if one is available, a member can work fewer hours than his or her position requires and still receive reduced IMRF disability benefits. IMRF’s trial work period is available only if the member returns to the same employer he or she worked for when the member became disabled, and if that employer offers the trial work period.
The member will remain eligible to receive IMRF disability benefits while on a trial work period until:
He or she works the same number of hours the member worked prior to the disability,
It is determined that the member is no longer disabled,
The member has exhausted IMRF temporary disability benefits, or
One year has passed.
IMRF monthly disability benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar by the trial work period monthly gross earnings. However, the minimum monthly disability benefit is $10.
Please note: when considering the compensation that reduces the IMRF disability benefit payment, IMRF applies the net compensation after any member payments for medical and/or dental insurance. Member payments for medical and/or dental insurance do not reduce the IMRF benefit payment.
Only one trial work period is allowed for each disability occurrence. The trial work period:
Cannot exceed 12 months for each disability occurrence. The member will be required to periodically submit, at his or her own expense, medical evidence of continuing disability to support the need for a continued trial work period.
Will end if the member returns to work for the same number of hours worked before the disability occurred.
Will end if the disabling condition worsens preventing the member from working any hours. If the member is eligible, upon receipt and review of medical documentation, full payment of IMRF disability benefits will resume.
Will end if the member resigns from his or her position with the member’s IMRF employer. If a member is considering resigning his or her IMRF position, the member should contact IMRF first! Depending on the member’s situation, benefits may or may not continue.