Article
An ordinary disability pension is a benefit available to active members who are physically or mentally unable to perform their job due to illness or injury that did not occur at work. For example, a member who becomes disabled from a car accident that occurred outside of work may be eligible for an ordinary disability pension.
Before you terminate employment due to a disability, read the important information below about who qualifies for ordinary disability, how the pension benefits are calculated, and how to apply, including what disability documentation you will need to provide.
Who is eligible for an ordinary disability pension?
- Active members with at least 5 years of service, three of them worked consecutively (back to back) with their employer, may be eligible for an ordinary disability pension. Members who are already eligible for a service pension retirement are not eligible for an ordinary disability pension.
- Members must apply for a disability pension prior to terminating employment. Members who have already terminated employment are not eligible for an ordinary disability pension.
How much is an ordinary disability pension benefit?
- An ordinary disability pension benefit is based on a member’s schedule type, years of service, and final average salary. Members with between 5 and 10 years of service will be given credit for 10 years.
- Once ERSRI has received your application a retirement counselor will provide you with a benefit estimate.
How do you apply for an ordinary disability pension?
- You can apply for a disability pension by contacting the ERSRI Member Service Center at (401) 462-7600.
- You will be required to complete an application and provide documentation from your employer, medical records from your treating physician and, in certain instances, an insurance claims history in support of your application.
- Once all of your records have been returned to ERSRI, you will undergo three (3) independent medical examinations (IMEs). ERSRI will provide you with the names and contact info of the doctors who will conduct your examinations. ERSRI will pay for the cost of these visits.
- Once you have visited all three IME doctors, your application will be considered by the Disability Committee.
- The Disability Committee will make a recommendation to the full Retirement Board which will notify you of its decision.
- Members are generally not required to appear before the Disability Committee or the Retirement Board. However, you will receive notification if you are required to appear.
