5.40 C. Application for Disability Benefits

  1. When to File an Application for IMRF Disability Benefits\

The member should file IMRF Form entitled, "Member’s Application for Disability Benefits,” and give each of his or her current physicians a blank, ”Physician’s Statement,” to complete. IMRF will collect information regarding the Employer Disability Certification via data collection.

The member can access these forms by visiting the Member Access area on IMRF's website (www.imrf.org).

The member application or employer certification should not be filed in ”anticipation of disability” if the member is still able to work.

When compensation, such as sick pay and vacation pay, is continued for more than 30 days, the member application and employer certification should be submitted immediately if the disability is expected to extend beyond the last day for which earnings will be paid.

The chart below illustrates when a member would apply for disability benefits.

Member receives surgery on August 1st

Does member apply?

Member returns to work on August 28.

  • No, the member is not disabled more than 30 days.

Member will be off from work for six weeks.

  • Yes, the member applies for disability benefits the first day he or she is disabled - on August 1.

  • The member does not apply in advance, even though the member knows he or she will be disabled more than 30 days.

  • The disability effective date will be August 31st - 30 days after the date of disability.

 

Member will be off from work for three months, AND the employer pays the member for the first 60 days

  • Yes, the member applies for disability benefits the first day he or she is disabled (August 1) because the member knows he or she will be disabled beyond the last day employer pays the member compensation.

  • The disability effective date will be September 30th - the day after the compensation ends.

 

 

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