Disability

Disability retirement is available to any member who becomes incapacitated, mentally or physically, and cannot continue in the performance of his or her  duties.

A “total disability” means a disability condition that renders a member unable to engage in any occupation for which this member is reasonably suited by training or experience and which is expected to last at least 12 months. A “partial disability” means a disability condition that renders a member unable to perform the occupation for which this member is reasonably suited by training or experience but still allows this member to function in other employment and which is expected to last at least 12 months.

Requirements for a disability related retirement.

Disability retirement eligibility may vary according to plan In general, to qualify for a disability retirement, a member must meet all of the following three requirements:must have 10 or more years of creditable service

must not be eligible for un-reduced retirement benefits (“full retirement”)
– less than age 60 in the Public Employee Plan Tier 1
– less than age 65 in the Public Employee Plan Tier 2
– not eligible for Rule of 85

must be “in service” at the time of application.

A member who is “in service” means a member who “is deemed to be disabled while working in employment covered by the system and is making contributions to the system, or is receiving workers’ compensation payments, or is receiving disability payments under an employer’s disability policy, or is on sabbatical or other leave authorized by the member’s employer.”

Steps to determine eligibility. 

  • Take our self assessment tool to determine if you’re eligible to apply for a disability retirement.  Please note, this assessment only helps you determine if you’re eligible to apply for benefits. 
  • If you’re determined eligible to apply, you’ll be prompted to fill out an intake form at the end of the assessment. 
  • Our WRS staff will review the information you provided and reach out to you in writing with next steps.
  • If you’re eligible to continue with the process,  you’ll be asked to provide information regarding your current situation at that time.  Physicians who have recently examined you will be required to verify the disabling condition. 
  • A third party administrator will review your medical records and will notify the Wyoming Retirement System of their findings. 
  • The WRS disability administrator will make the final determination based on the information they’ve received and notify you of that decision in writing. 
  • In the event that you’d like to contest that decision, there are appeal procedures available to the applicant.
  • If approved for a disability retirement, you’ll be asked to verify your condition on a regular basis until you reach retirement age. 

    • Please note that if you are eligible to apply WRS will contact you to provide additional information.  

     

    Disability Application

    To receive a disability application packet, please call (307) 777-7691.