RI has partnered with the Committee on Workers Capital (CWC) to publish a series of CWC Trustee Profile interviews with union-nominated pension fund trustees that touch on the role of individual board members in driving innovation around responsible investment at their funds. This installment is with Sharon Hendricks, Vice-Chair of the CalSTRS Board of Trustees.
You may be eligible for a disability benefit if you meet the eligibility requirements, including age, service credit and timeliness for application and medical documentation, as well as other factors.
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:
Schedule a disability benefits planning session to talk with a CalSTRS benefits specialist. Sessions are typically scheduled six weeks out. However, even if you cannot schedule a session right away, or if you prefer not to meet with a benefits specialist, do not delay in submitting your application.
If you are applying for disability and are also eligible to retire from service, you may wish to receive a service retirement benefit while your disability application is being evaluated.
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.
