Disability FAQs
Answers for members on disability eligibility, the application process, rechecks and more. To return the Frequently Asked Questions Home, click here.
Are RSP members eligible to receive disability benefits?
Yes. Disability applications may be obtained from your employer. You will complete the employee section. Your employer will complete their section....
What do I have to do for a reevaluation?
SURS will require that your physician complete a Report of Physicians’ Disability Form for Continuation of Benefits. Along with the form, SURS...
When will I receive my reevaluation letter?
Reevaluation letters are mailed the first working day in the month the reevaluation is due. For example, if you have a September reevaluation date,...
How does SURS determine how often I will be evaluated?
The reevaluation date is determined by the medical documentation received from your physician and the type of disability you have. A reevaluation...
Why do I have to be reevaluated for my disability benefit?
It is required by the laws governing SURS that current medical records are requested periodically to certify that you remain disabled. Return to...
Can I work while on disability?
If you are able to work but not at the same percentage of time you were working prior to becoming disabled you may work and earn up to the amount of...
Who should I contact if I have questions while my application for disability benefits is being processed?
You may contact a Member Service Representative at 800-275-7877 (800-ASK-SURS) or dial direct (217) 378-8800. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I receive each month while I am disabled?
You will receive either 50 percent of the monthly salary you were receiving at the time you became disabled or 50 percent of your average earnings...
After the 60 days expire, will SURS backdate my disability benefits to the last day I worked?
The laws governing SURS do not allow any payment of benefits for the first 60 days. Therefore, your payment will not be retroactive to your last day...
Can I use my vacation benefits before the disability benefits begin?
You are not required to use vacation benefits before receiving your disability benefit. However, if you think your disability is permanent, you may...
What if I have accumulated a lot of sick leave and my employer continues to pay my sick leave after the 60-day waiting period?
By law, you must exhaust all accumulated sick leave before your SURS disability can begin. Therefore, if you have more than 60 sick days, your...
When will my disability benefit begin?
There is a 60-day waiting period before you are eligible to receive your SURS disability benefit. During this 60-day period you may be eligible to...
When are disability benefits paid?
Disability benefits are paid on the last working day of the month for the current month. For example, benefits due for January are paid on January...
Is there anything else I need to do after I submit my disability application?
You could be asked by SURS to have an additional examination done by another physician. If so, SURS is responsible for payment of this exam. You...
What happens after I submit my application for disability benefits?
The SURS disability process team will review the application and all medical documentation to make a determination of your eligibility for benefits....
How does Workers’ Compensation affect my SURS disability?
Please review the Disability & Workers’ Compensation Life Event for more information. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply for SURS disability if I have also applied for Workers’ Compensation (WC)?
If you have applied for and/or you are receiving WC benefits, it is still important that you also apply for SURS disability benefits immediately (if...
When should I apply for disability benefits?
You should complete and submit an application immediately if you expect to be unable to work for at least 60 days because of your disability. If you...
How can I apply for disability benefits?
You should request an Application for Disability from your SURS-covered employer. The completed application should be submitted to SURS. Return to...
Am I eligible for disability benefits?
You may be eligible for a disability benefit from the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) after you have at least two years of service...