Long-term disability benefits are payable after the conclusion of the short-term disability period or after salary continuation payments cease, whichever is later. Long-term benefits may be payable for as long as you are permanently disabled, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

• You have at least five years of TSERS or ORP membership service earned within the 96 calendar months immediately before the end of the short-term disability period, or the completion of salary continuation payments, whichever is later.
   
• You apply to receive long-term benefits within 180 days after the conclusion of the short-term disability period, after salary continuation payments cease, or after monthly payments for Workers’ Compensationcease (excluding monthly pay for permanent partial benefits), whichever is later.
   
• You are certified by the Retirement Systems’ Medical Board to be mentally or physically disabled for the further performance of your usual occupation.
   
• Your disability has been continuous, is likely permanent, and was incurred at the time of active employment.
   
• You terminate employment as a permanent full-time teacher or state employee.
   
• (TSERS only) You do not meet the eligibility requirements to receive an unreduced TSERS service retirement benefit.
   
• (ORP only) You have not reached the date when a service retirement benefit would be first available to you had you elected to be a TSERS member.

Long-term disability benefits are paid by the Retirement Systems Division (RSD). The determination of disability and eligibility for long-term benefits will be made by the RSD’s Medical Board and staff, respectively. RSD staff may not determine any person to be eligible for long-term benefits who is in receipt of any payments due to the same disability that existed upon entrance into membership in the Retirement System.

RSD recommends you file an application for extended short-term disability benefits 60-90 days prior to the end of your short-term/preliminary long-term disability benefits to prevent any lapse in benefit or health insurance coverage (if applicable).

If you had less than five years of TSERS or ORP membership service as of July 31, 2007, your long-term benefits will end after you received 36 long-term disability benefit payments unless you have been approved for Social Security disability benefits.