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.
• The definition of disabled as established for CalSTRS by the California Education Code and have a medically determined physical or mental impairment that is permanent or expected to last at least 12 continuous months.

If you have a medically determined physical or mental impairment, it must prevent you from performing:

• Your usual duties with or without reasonable modification from your employer.
• Duties of a comparable level to your usual duties, which you are qualified for or can become qualified for in a reasonable period of time with education, training or experience.
• Employment at a comparable level at which you can earn at least 66 2/3 percent of your final compensation.

If you were disabled while on active military duty and are unable to return to CalSTRS-covered employment, you may apply for a CalSTRS disability benefit if you meet the other eligibility requirements.

You can apply for service retirement and disability at the same time if you are otherwise eligible to service retire. This will enable you to receive a monthly retirement income while your disability application is being evaluated.

You’ll find the Disability Benefits Application in Your Disability Benefits Guide.