The Maryland State Retirement System (SRS) provides eligible employees with a disability retirement annuity in the unfortunate event that serious injury or illness permanently prevents them from performing their job duties. Maryland state disability benefits are a financial lifeline for people who can no longer work. With medical bills and daily expenses piling up, disability retirement eases the economic strain.
Eligible employees include those employed by state agencies, public school teachers, and public school administrators. To show eligibility, an employee must meet both length of service requirements and provide adequate proof of disability. At Casciano Law Group, we take pride in guiding Maryland residents through this complex but essential process, helping them secure the support they need to focus on their well-being.
Generally, to be considered disabled according to SRS standards, an applicant must establish that they are permanently unable to perform the duties of their job, not that they are totally disabled from performing any job. The state of Maryland provides benefits for two types of disability retirements:
Maryland state and county employees often face challenges in keeping up with complex regulations and meeting tight deadlines when applying for disability benefits. It can all feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with health concerns. However, Maryland disability retirement benefits allow retirees to focus on their health without worrying about lost income, making them well worth the effort.
All disability claims are evaluated by the SRS’s Medical Board, which comprises a group of physicians with a wide array of medical specialties. An application for a disability retirement annuity may be submitted while the employee is still working and within four years of the date of separation.
Eligibility for Maryland state disability requires state and county employees to prove a “permanent and total disability,” meaning an inability to perform the core duties of your current job. Qualifying disabilities may include:
Eligibility for Maryland state disability retirement benefits also hinges on years of service. For ordinary disability retirement, employees must have at least five years of service to qualify. In contrast, accidental disability retirement has no minimum service requirement but mandates that the disabling condition results directly from a specific job-related accident without willful negligence. Applications for accidental disability must be filed within five years of the incident.
Job classification also influences eligibility. Certain positions, such as law enforcement or correctional officers, have specific provisions for disability retirement. It’s essential to understand how your role influences your eligibility.
Generally, the disability application process moves quickly, with decisions often issued within 90 days. However, if additional information is needed or benefits are denied and an appeal is filed, the process can take much longer.
The evaluation process includes detailed reviews of medical records and employment history. To build a strong case, applicants should gather thorough evidence, including medical reports and testimonials from healthcare providers that clearly connect the condition to the job duties.
Some applicants qualify for both Social Security disability and Maryland state disability retirement benefits.
Navigating these overlapping systems can be confusing, but with guidance from Casciano Law Group, you can maximize your entitlements while avoiding unnecessary complications.
Applying for disability benefits can feel like an uphill battle. Common hurdles include:
At Casciano Law Group, we put our experience to work to help you overcome these challenges, from ensuring every detail of your application is complete to gathering compelling evidence when filing an appeal. Since 1998, we’ve worked on countless cases to secure rightful disability retirement benefits for state and county employees in Maryland, and we can help you, too.
It’s crucial to allow yourself time to make informed decisions about your disability retirement and meet the various filing deadlines. Contacting an experienced disability attorney at Casciano Law Group prior to filing your application greatly improves your chance of a smooth transition from work to a disability annuity. We can assist with completing and processing your application and obtaining the medical and vocational evidence necessary to prove your disability claim. Our team will fight diligently on your behalf throughout the entire legal process.
Living with a disability can be difficult, but getting the payments you’re entitled to shouldn’t be. Contact Casciano Law Group today to schedule a consultation.
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