Tier 2 Disability Benefits

If you become disabled and unable to perform the duties of your position, you may receive disability benefits at any age which will partially replace your working income.

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.

While you are receiving temporary total disability benefits, your JRS account is credited with service as if you remained on the bench through the end of your current term.

The disability benefit is reduced by any amount received under the Workers' Compensation Act or Occupational Diseases Act.

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 that calendar year's annual salary maximum as determined by the Department of Insurance. The benefit begins on the day following your removal from payroll.