Disability benefits

In the past all disability benefits had been determined by your medical classification. Medical classification could apply to both disability and death benefits. 

Medical classifications

From 1 July 2010, medical classifications are no longer applicable for new claims. For existing claims prior to this date the medical classification is still applicable.

What is a disability benefit?

Disability means the member’s permanent inability, prior to age 60, due to a continuing or recurring injury, disease or infirmity to perform his/her duties and to perform other duties for which he/she is suited by education, training or experience or for which the member would be suited as a result of retraining.

The types of disability benefits that may be approved are:

• Disability Retirement (permanent) pension. A lump sum may be payable instead of this pension subject to Delegate’s discretion; or
• Temporary or Interim pension; or
• Ill-health Benefit.

If you are permanently unable to perform your duties or other duties for which you are suited, you may be eligible for a disability pension.

At the Board’s discretion a lump sum may be payable instead of a disability pension.

Considering a disability benefit?

Before you apply for disability retirement:

• Discuss alternative employment arrangements with your employer,
• If you have reached your minimum retirement age, consider whether you should retire and claim your age retirement benefit instead of applying for disability retirement (or if you are under your minimum retirement age, your resignation benefit), and
• Contact us or download a copy of our brochure, Claiming a disability benefit.

Note: Prescribed class officers cannot disability retire after age 55.

Like more info?

The Claiming a disability benefit brochure sets out:

• the procedures that must be followed by both you and your employer.
• the conditions that will apply in respect of future reviews and
• indicates the outcomes if you are found fit to return to work after being placed on a disability pension.

• View the types of disability benefits