Applying for Disability Benefits

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.

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.