What happens to my retirement benefits if I become disabled?

When a member of the New York State Local Retirement System becomes disabled, the retirement benefits they may receive depend on the specifics of their situation. In general, if a member is unable to perform their job duties due to a permanent disability, they may be eligible for disability retirement benefits. These benefits can provide financial assistance to individuals who can no longer work because of their medical condition. To qualify for disability retirement benefits, the member typically must have a certain amount of service credit in the retirement system. There are two primary types of disability retirement benefits: ordinary disability and accidental disability. Ordinary disability benefits are available to members who are unable to work due to non-work-related disabilities, whereas accidental disability benefits may apply if the disability is a result of a work-related incident. The exact amount of benefits received will depend on various factors, including the member’s salary, years of service, and the specific provisions of the retirement plan. It is important for an individual facing disability to assess their circumstances carefully, as well as the eligibility requirements for the type of benefit they may seek. For more detailed information regarding benefits and eligibility criteria, it may be useful to look on the current web page of the New York State Local Retirement System.