Disability Benefits for
Special Service Members
Protection Against the Unexpected |
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Applying for Benefits
To begin the disability benefits application process, call IPERS. A Special Service representative will help you determine whether you should apply for Special Service disability benefits or regular disability benefits. Here are the steps to apply for benefits.
Call IPERS at 515-281-0020 or toll-free at 1-800-622-3849 to start the disability benefits application process. A Special Service representative will ask you questions to determine the type of disability benefits you may be eligible to receive.
| Regular Disability Benefits |
| Step 1: Complete an Application for IPERS Retirement Benefits. Be sure to complete the section “Disability Retirement.” You must indicate on the application that you are applying for regular disability benefits. |
| Step 2: Indicate that you have applied for or have been awarded social security or railroad retirement disability benefits, even if the disability award is still pending. |
| Step 3: With your application, provide a photocopy of the letter of award indicating your first month of entitlement for social security or railroad retirement disability benefits. If the social security or railroad retirement disability award is still pending, provide IPERS with the letter of award as soon as possible. In some cases, you can begin drawing IPERS retirement payments before your disability benefit is awarded. |
| Step 4: Send your completed application and all supporting documentation to IPERS. |
| Special Service Disability Benefits |
Step 1: Complete an Application for IPERS Special Service Disability Benefits. There are 3 sections to the application:
• General information about yourself.
• Information about your disability and medical questions.
• Questions your employer must answer. |
| Step 2: Send IPERS your completed application. To expedite processing, send all completed sections of the application in one envelope. IPERS cannot begin processing your application until all information has been received. |
| Step 3: IPERS reviews your application and then sends it to the Medical Board of the University of Iowa. |
| Step 4: You may undergo an exam with 3 physicians from the Medical Board. Exams take place in Iowa City. You will receive reimbursement for food, travel, and lodging expenses. Contact IPERS for current reimbursement rates. |
| Step 5: After 10 days, the Medical Board provides IPERS with a letter stating whether or not they believe you can perform your job duties. |
| Step 6: IPERS sends you and your employer a letter stating the opinion of the Medical Board. |
| Step 7: You have 10 days from the date on the letter from IPERS to provide more information, if necessary. IPERS then determines eligibility for benefits and the type of disability (ordinary or in-service), and notifies you of the determination. |
Step 8: If you are receiving any other disability-related payments, you must complete a form indicating the type and amount of other disability benefits you are receiving. Your IPERS benefits may be offset, or reduced, by the other benefits you are receiving. |
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