Social Security and IMRF Disability

for Tier 1 SLEP Plan Members
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How Social Security disability reduces your IMRF disability payments

IMRF disability benefits are reduced by the amount of Social Security disability benefits to which you may be entitled, even if you do not apply.

Social Security begins paying disability benefits after five months or later from the onset of the disability. Therefore, if it is possible your disability will last more than five months, it is essential that you apply for Social Security disability to make sure you keep receiving disability income.

When your IMRF benefit is reduced

Whenever an IMRF disability benefit is reduced, the amount of your monthly benefit will be at least $10.

With this payment:

How the reduction is calculated

IMRF disability benefits are reduced dollar for dollar by your Social Security disability benefits.

IMRF will adjust your disability benefits retroactively if:

If you receive workers’ compensation benefits, or if you are on Medicaid or Medicare, Social Security will reduce its disability benefit. (Contact Social Security for more information.) However, IMRF disability benefits are reduced by the amount of Social Security disability benefits you may be entitled to receive before any reduction for workers’ compensation.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits

You can apply for Social Security disability benefits online, by phone, or in person.

When you receive notice from Social Security

If you are awarded benefits, send IMRF a copy of the award certificate.

If you are denied benefits:

If your Social Security benefit is adjusted

If your Social Security disability benefit is adjusted (other than the annual increase), please send a copy of the notice from Social Security showing the new amount and the reason for the adjustment to IMRF as soon as possible.

If a final decision on your Social Security claim has not been made

If you are being paid a reduced IMRF benefit and a final decision on your Social Security claim has not been made, you may be eligible for a Disability Payment Agreement. With a Disability Payment Agreement, your IMRF disability benefit payments can be temporarily restored to the full amount. Click here to learn more.

If you participate in Social Security work incentive programs

You must inform IMRF if you participate in Social Security’s trial work period or Ticket to Work program.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

If you are receiving early Social Security retirement benefits, you still need to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

Once you are within six months of your Social Security full retirement age:

If you are not receiving Social Security retirement benefits, we require an estimate of the amount you are entitled to receive at your Social Security full retirement age.

Your IMRF disability benefits will be reduced based upon this amount, even if you do not apply for the benefit. Therefore, you may wish to apply for your Social Security retirement benefits.

If you become disabled and are: Should you:  Is your:
Apply for Social Security Disability? Get an estimate of your Social Security benefits?  IMRF disability benefit reduced by Social Security disability amount? IMRF disability benefit reduced by Social Security Retirement benefits? 
Younger than age 62 Yes, if you think you will be disabled for more than five months. No Yes, after five months, even if you don’t apply for Social Security disability. No
At least age 62, but not within six months of your full Social Security Retirement Age. Yes, if you think you will be disabled for more than five months. No Yes, after five months, even if you don’t apply for Social Security disability. No
At or within six months of your full Social Security Retirement Age, or past your full Social Security Retirement Age. No. Social Security will not allow you to apply for Social Security disability. Yes. This will allow IMRF to accurately reduce your IMRF disability benefit by the amount you are eligible to receive. Not Applicable Yes, even if you do not apply for your Social Security retirement benefits, your IMRF disability benefit will be reduced by the amount you are eligible to receive.