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JRS Tier 1 Disability Benefits
If you become disabled and unable to perform the duties of your position, you may receive disability benefits which partially replace your working income.
Tier 1 Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
To qualify for this benefit, you must have at least two years of service as a judge, and your disability must occur while you are a judge. The Board of Trustees must determine that you are totally disabled and temporarily unable to perform the duties of a judge. You cannot be engaged in any form of gainful occupation during the disability.
Applying For and Receiving Temporary Benefits
You must apply to receive a disability benefit and include a copy of your birth certificate. The application process requires you to obtain two physician’s reports certifying that you are unable to perform the duties of your position and also requires you to sign a JRS medical release form. Your temporary disability benefit equals 50% of your salary at the time of the disability, and begins on the day following your removal from the payroll. Temporary disability benefits are payable until the end of your term in office. While you are receiving temporary disability benefits, your JRS account is credited with service as if you remained on the bench through your current term. The disability benefit is reduced by any amounts received under the Workers' Compensation Act or Occupational Diseases Act.
Tier 1 Permanent Disability Benefits
Retirement Annuity for Permanent Disability
If you are permanently disabled, you may receive a retirement annuity if you have at least 10 years of pension credit (reciprocal service may be used) and your disability occurs while you are a judge.
The JRS Board of Trustees must determine if you are totally and permanently disabled and unable to perform your judicial position.
Applying For and Receiving Permanent Disability Benefits
You must apply for disability benefits with a copy of your birth certificate in order to receive them. The application process requires you to obtain two physician's reports certifying you as unable to perform the duties of your position, and sign a JRS medical release form. Your permanent disability benefit equals your earned retirement benefit and begins on the day following your removal from the payroll. You will receive a 3% increase on January 1 following your first full year of receiving a retirement annuity for permanent disability.