5.40 C. Application for Disability Benefits

3. Delayed Applications May Cause Loss of Benefits

A member may lose one or more monthly payments by failing to apply for IMRF disability benefits promptly. Disability payments cannot be paid retroactively for more than six months from the date an application is filed with IMRF.

Filing late may also result in gaps in the member’s service credit Service credit is a member's total time under IMRF, stated in years and fractions. Service is credited monthly while a member is working, receiving IMRF disability benefits or while he or she is on IMRF's Benefit Protection Leave. A member earns one month of service credit for each month he or she: (1) works in a qualified position and makes a member contribution. (2) worked in a qualified position prior to his or her employer joining IMRF. (3) receives an IMRF disability benefit. (4) is on an IMRF Benefit Protection Leave (limited to 12 months). (5) purchases a month of past service credit. A member cannot earn more than one month of service credit for any given calendar month. which could affect his or her eligibility for other IMRF benefits.

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