How is “Disability” defined by the Florida Retirement System, (FRS)?
To qualify for disability retirement benefits provided by the FRS, a member must be totally and permanently disabled from performing useful and efficient service as an officer or an employee upon termination from FRS-covered employment, as required by Section 121.091(4), Florida Statutes. Approval for Social Security disability or Worker’s Compensation does not automatically qualify you for an FRS disability retirement benefit, but it may help. The unavailability of an employment position that you are physically and mentally capable of performing will not be considered as proof of total and permanent disability. What do I need to prove the basic elements of my case? It must be documented that: • Your medical condition occurred or became symptomatic during the time you were employed in an employee/employer relationship with your employer. • You were totally and permanently disabled at the time you terminated employment; and • You have not been employed with any other employer after such
