For some disabling conditions, the doctor may allow you to work fewer hours, and you may return to work part-time. This is called a “trial work period.”
If your employer offers a trial work period, you can work fewer hours than your position requires and still receive reduced IMRF disability benefits. (Note: Your employer is not required to offer a trial work period.)
A trial work period is available only if:
- You return to the same employer you worked for when you became disabled.
- Your employer offers a trial work period.
Impact of trial work on your IMRF disability benefits
IMRF monthly disability benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar by the monthly trial work period gross earnings you receive. However, the minimum monthly disability benefit is $10. (Learn more about the value of that $10 benefit here.)
Trial work period rules
The trial work period:
- Is only allowed once per disability occurrence.
- Cannot exceed 12 months for each disability occurrence. IMRF will require you to periodically submit—at your own expense—medical evidence supporting your need for a continued trial work period.
- Will end if the doctor releases you to return to work full-time.
- Will end if IMRF determines that you are no longer disabled.
- Will end if you return to work for the same number of hours you worked before your disability occurred.
- Will end if your disabling condition worsens, preventing you from working any hours. If IMRF reviews your medical documentation and determines you are eligible, your full IMRF disability benefits will resume. (Note: If you have been awarded Social Security disability, full IMRF benefits may not resume.)
- Will end if you return to work for a different IMRF employer.
- Will end if you resign from your position with your IMRF employer.
Beginning a trial work period
If you are interested in a trial work period, call your employer. They will let you know if a trial work position is available.
If a position is available and you plan to begin a trial work period, please tell IMRF immediately. You will need to provide your physician’s release allowing you to return to work on a trial basis.