Bill > S02028

This bill modifies the eligibility requirements for ordinary disability retirement (ODR) benefits for Tier III members of the New York City Police Pension Fund. Specifically, the bill removes two existing barriers to obtaining disability benefits: the requirement of having at least five years of credited service and being eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Under the new provisions, police pension members can be medically examined and potentially retired for ordinary disability upon application by the police commissioner or the member themselves, if they are deemed physically or mentally incapacitated for duty. The bill also changes the rules regarding re-employment and benefit cessation, exempting New York City police pension fund members from previous regulations about social security benefit eligibility. The changes are retroactive to July 1, 2009, and the disability benefit would be calculated as the greater of one-third of the member's Final Average Salary or 2% of the salary multiplied by credited service. The benefit would be subject to an offset beginning at age 62 and would be annually adjusted. The fiscal note indicates that this change is expected to have financial implications for the city, with projected increases in employer contributions over time.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2028