Accidental Disability Pensions

An accidental disability pension is a benefit available to members who are physically or mentally unable to perform their job as a result of an accident that happened at work. For example – if a member became disabled due to a fall that happened while they were working – the member may be eligible for an accidental disability pension.

On this page, you will learn more about accidental disability eligibility, benefits, and the application process. Once ERSRI has received your application, a retirement counselor will provide you with a benefit estimate.

Note: Injuries that are the result of willful negligence or misconduct on the part of the member or are due to age or length of service may disqualify a member from receiving an accidental disability pension.

Once ERSRI has received your application a retirement counselor will provide you with a benefit estimate.

Who is eligible for an accidental disability pension?

  • Active members under the age of 65 who sustained a disabling injury from a job related accident are eligible to apply for accidental disability pensions.
  • Active police officers and firefighters may apply for an accidental disability at any age.
  • Members must apply for a disability pension prior to terminating employment. Members who have terminated employment are not eligible for a disability pension.
  • Applications from Police and Fire members for accidental disability must be received within 18 months of the disabling accident or reinjury. For municipal members, applications must be received within 5 years of the disabling accident. For state and teacher members, applications must be received within 5 years of the disabling accident; or within 3 years of a reinjury or aggravation.

How much is an accidental disability pension benefit?

For State Employees and Teachers:

  • 50% Disability Benefit: State employees and teachers who are permanently and totally disabled from their current job, but are able to perform other work may be granted a benefit of 50% of their salary at retirement.
  • 66 and 2/3rd% Disability Benefit: State employees and teachers who are permanently and totally disabled from all work may be granted a benefit of 66 and 2/3rd% of their salary at retirement.

For MERS, Police and Fire:

  • 66 and 2/3rd % Disability Benefit: MERS, Police and Fire members who are permanently and totally disabled may be granted a benefit of 66 and 2/3rd% of their salary at retirement.

How do you apply for an accidental disability pension?

  • You can apply for a disability pension by contacting the ERSRI Call 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 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 information 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 of the Retirement Board.
  • The Disability Committee will make a recommendation to the full Retirement Board which will notify you of its decision.