If you become totally and permanently unable to physically or mentally perform your job due to an injury or disease, you can apply for disability retirement. If you have been approved for disability benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA), have at least five years of actual service, and have actual service in 18 of the 24 months immediately preceding the onset of your disability, you qualify for APERS disability benefits.
In some cases, you may need to appeal to the APERS board for disability benefits:
- If you have at least one month of service in this period but fewer than 18, you are eligible to submit an appeal to the APERS Board to determine if you are eligible for disability retirement.
- You may also appeal to the Board if you have been denied for SSA disability through the Administrative Law Judge appeal level.
If you appeal to the Board, we will request that you submit physician statements and medical documentation.
How-To
If you are ready to apply for disability retirement, you may apply in myAPERS by clicking Your Benefits, then Apply for Benefits. If you prefer a paper application, contact our APERS at 501-682-7800. You must also submit supporting documentation of your disability onset date, as determined by SSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I obtain documentation of my disability onset date?
If you have been approved for SSA disability benefits, you should have received a Notice of Award letter, which lists your onset date. If you no longer have this letter, you may contact SSA for alternative documentation, asking for a status letter that lists your disability onset date. - Are disability benefits retroactive?
No, disability benefits are not retroactive.