To qualify for disability benefits under the State Patrol Retirement Plan, you need at least one year of service if your disability is not job related (what we call "regular disability"). You are immediately covered if you are injured while performing your job responsibilities (what we call "duty disability"). Disability benefits are payable at any age for those who qualify and apply for benefits.

"Duty disability" means a physical or psychological condition that is expected to prevent a member, for a period of not less than 12 months, from performing the normal duties of the position held by the person as a member of the State Patrol Retirement fund, and that is the direct result of any injury incurred during, or a disease arising out of, the performance of normal duties or the actual performance of less frequent duties, either of which are specific to the positions covered by the State Patrol retirement fund.

"Regular disability" means a physical or psychological condition that is expected to prevent a member, for a period of not less than 12 months, from performing the normal duties of the position held by a person who is a member of the State Patrol Retirement plan, and which results from a disease or an injury that arises from any activities while not at work, or while at work and performing those normal or less frequent duties that do not present inherent dangers that are specific to the occupations covered by the State Patrol Retirement Plan.

• You cannot apply for a disability benefit until the day after your last working day. After that time, apply for a benefit immediately. We strongly recommend not waiting for your sick leave or vacation to run out.
• You must apply for a disability benefit no later than 18 months after you end your employment.