If you become disabled while an active Member, you may be
eligible for a Disability Retirement. Your disabling condition
need not be job-related, but it must prevent you from performing
your regular job duties. A Disability Retirement Allowance is
generally paid as one-third of your Final Compensation. A
Disability Retirement Allowance is not tax-free.
If you become disabled, but have over 15.4 years of Service
Credit and are eligible for a Normal Service Retirement, you may
be paid more from a Service Retirement than a Disability
Retirement. Please contact LACERS and request to speak with
a Disability Counselor to discuss which type of retirement
may be best in your situation.
Eligibility to Apply
You become eligible to apply for a Disability Retirement after
you have five or more years of Continuous Service (City
employment and/or full reciprocal service). You must file your
Disability Retirement application with LACERS within 12 months of
your last day on City payroll or within 12 months of the final
settlement date for a related Workers’ Compensation claim. If you
do not apply within the required time frame, you lose your
eligibility to apply for this benefit.
If you do not meet the five years of Continuous Service
requirement to apply for a Disability Retirement, the following
may assist you in meeting that requirement:
- Purchase of Workers’ Compensation “State rate” time
- Re-deposits
- Back contributions
- Reciprocity
Disability Application Processing
It generally takes six to twelve months to complete the
processing of your Disability Retirement application due to the
time needed to obtain medical examinations and reports. If you
are considering filing a Disability Retirement application,
please contact LACERS and request to speak with a Disability
Counselor.
Approval of Your Application
After you have been examined by physicians selected and paid for
by LACERS, the Board of Administration will review your medical
reports and other evidence to determine whether you have become
physically or mentally incapacitated and are incapable of
performing your duties.
If the Board approves your Disability Retirement application,
usually your allowance will be paid retroactively from the day
after your last day on payroll. A Disability
Retirement Allowance is determined by a different formula than a
Service Retirement Allowance.
Loans for Applicants
LACERS offers a loan program for eligible Disability Retirement
applicants to help with your finances while your application is
being processed. Please contact LACERS and request to speak with
a Disability Counselor for more information.
Medical Re-Examinations
Disability Retirement Allowances are payable while you remain
disabled. After your Retirement Allowance is approved, you may be
required to undergo periodic re-examinations. You may also
request a medical review if you believe your condition has
improved enough to allow you to return to active duty. If you are
found to no longer be disabled, you may be returned to active
duty if you did not resign or have your employment terminated,
and your Disability Retirement Allowance will cease.
Disability Guide and Presentation
Additional information regarding a Disability Retirement can be
found here:
Tier 1 and Tier 3 Disability Retirement Presentation
