As a CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program member, you may qualify for long term disability benefits if you have a medical condition that will prevent you from working for at least a year.

Your Retirement Progress Report will show which of the following disability coverages you have, or you can contact CalSTRS at 800-228-5453:

• Coverage A: Disability Allowance Program
• Coverage B: Disability Retirement Program

For detailed information about your disability benefits and the application process, see the following publications:

• Introduction to CalSTRS Disability Benefits
• Your Disability Benefits Guide for Defined Benefit Members
• Section 8 of the Member Handbook

Application Process

You should apply for a disability benefit before you exhaust other benefits available to you.  If approved, your disability benefit will go into effect on whichever of the following dates occurs later:

• The first day of the month in which we receive your application.
• The day after the last day of service for which you were paid.

We encourage you to apply while you are working or receiving sick leave or differential pay from your employer so that you have income while your application is pending.  If you are no longer working, contact us for information on filing timelines.

Plan and Research Your Decision

Before you file for a disability benefit, we recommend you contact a CalSTRS benefits counselor to discuss your specific situation. A benefits counselor can provide details to help you make an informed decision and explain the benefit process and eligibility requirements.

In addition, the counselor can give you disability and service retirement benefit estimates and explain whether receiving a disability benefit will affect your service retirement benefit.

Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation may allow you to continue to perform in your usual duties. CalSTRS may require you to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer before or while you are applying for a disability benefit.

Examples of reasonable accommodation include:

• Employing a teacher's aide
• Changing your grade level or subject assignment
• Improving your classroom or parking assignment
• Relieving you from yard duty
• Assigning you to other positions you are qualified for

If you have questions about reasonable accommodation, contact your school district.

Service Retirement During Evaluation of a Disability Application

If you are eligible to retire from service, you may wish to receive a service retirement benefit while your disability application is being evaluated.

Consider the following when applying for a service retirement benefit during
evaluation of your disability application:

• You may receive a service retirement benefit effective date on the first day of the month in which CalSTRS receives your application.
• If approved for a disability benefit, your service retirement benefit will be canceled and converted to a disability benefit.
• If your disability application is rejected, you will:
• Remain on service retirement.
• Not be able to reapply for a disability benefit unless you terminate your service retirement, return to CalSTRS-covered employment and earn one year of service credit.
• If you have already retired from service, you are not eligible to apply for a disability benefit.

Health Benefits and Disability

CalSTRS does not provide health, dental or vision insurance to members, including those receiving a disability benefit. Contact your employer directly because health benefits vary from employer to employer.