Bill > A05872

This bill modifies the ordinary disability retirement (ODR) eligibility rules for Tier 3 members of the New York City Fire Department (FIRE) enhanced plan. Currently, active members with at least five years of service can only receive an ordinary disability retirement benefit if they are approved for primary Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). The proposed legislation removes this SSDI requirement, allowing Tier 3 FIRE enhanced plan members who have completed five or more years of service to qualify for ordinary disability retirement regardless of their SSDI status. The bill does not change the formula for calculating the enhanced plan ODR benefits. Fiscally, the changes are expected to incrementally increase employer contributions, with an initial present value of benefits increase of $5.8 million. The bill applies specifically to New York City fire department members in the enhanced pension plan, and the medical board will now be responsible for determining ODR benefit eligibility instead of relying on SSDI approval.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5872