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Disability Benefits Under the ECO Plan
If you are eligible for disability benefits, you might have the choice to receive benefits under the Regular/SLEP plan or under the ECO plan. To read about the differences in Disability benefits under the ECO plan, click here. |
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If you're thinking of resigning your position, contact IMRF or you may not be eligible for disability! |
How to apply
If you will be disabled for more than 30 consecutive days, you should apply for disability benefits, unless your employer will pay you for your entire disability period. We recommend you complete a "Member's Application for Disability Benefits" form (Available in Member Access).
Timing is important!
- Do not apply while you are still working. Wait to file your application until your doctor certifies you are no longer able to work.
- You also don’t want to apply too late, or you’ll lose payments. We can only approve benefits retroactively for up to six months from the date we received your disability application. Filing late may also result in gaps in service credit.
- If you receive salary, sick, or vacation pay for more than 30 days following the date of your disability, you should not apply for disability benefits unless your disability will extend beyond the last day you will be paid.
- If you know you will be disabled beyond the last day you will be paid, you should apply as soon as you are disabled and stop working.
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Your Surgery is scheduled for August 1.
Do you apply for IMRF disability? |
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| Time off from work | Should you apply? |
| You return to work on August 28. |
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| You will be off from work for six weeks. |
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| You will be off from work for three months, and your employer pays you for the first 60 days. |
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Forms and documents IMRF will need
We require several forms and documents to process your claim.
- "Member's Application for Disability Benefits" form (Available in Member Access)
- "Employer Statement - Disability Claim" form (Available in Employer Access)
Your employer’s IMRF Authorized Agent should complete this form through Employer Access. - "Physician’s Statement - Disability Claim" form (Available in Member Access)
This form must be completed, and medical records received by: - The doctor who originally certified that you were unable to work.
- Each licensed and practicing physician who is certifying your disability.
Diagnosis, treatment dates, services rendered, and dates of disability are required to process your claim. - If any additional forms and documents are required, IMRF will contact you.
If you are completing the disability application for a member
If a member is unable to complete the disability application, a relative or other representative can complete it on the member’s behalf.
If you are the member’s representative, you would sign the forms on the member’s behalf, e.g., Mary Smith for John Smith. If the benefit is approved, IMRF will mail you a representative payee form for you and the member’s attending physician to complete.
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Any person who knowingly makes any false statement or falsifies or permits to be falsified any record in an attempt to defraud IMRF is guilty of a Class 3 felony. If the IMRF Board has a reasonable suspicion that a false record has been filed with the Fund, it is required to report the matter to the appropriate state’s attorney for investigation. |
How will I know my next steps?
Once you have applied for IMRF disability, we will send you correspondence that contains detailed information about each step of your disability claim process.
Disability Forms
Incomplete and missing forms may delay a decision on your disability claim. Please provide as much medical information as possible.
Did you know?
You may lose one or more monthly payments if you do not apply promptly for IMRF disability benefits.