Bill > S04580

This bill amends the retirement and social security law to remove the requirement that New York City Fire Department enhanced plan members (specifically Tier 3 members) must be eligible for or receiving primary Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in order to qualify for ordinary disability retirement (ODR). Currently, active members with at least five years of service can only receive an ODR benefit if they are approved for SSDI. Under this proposed legislation, members would be eligible for ODR regardless of their SSDI status. The bill applies specifically to members who are not yet eligible for normal retirement benefits. The fiscal note indicates this change would have a modest financial impact, with projected increased employer contributions ranging from $0.4 million to $1.9 million over 25 years, and an initial increase in actuarial present value of $5.8 million. The Medical Board would now be responsible for determining ODR eligibility instead of using SSDI approval as the primary criteria. The bill is intended to provide more flexibility and accessibility to disability retirement benefits for New York City Fire Department members.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4580