This section covers benefits provided in RCW 41.40.230 through 41.40.250 for PERS Plan 1 members who incur a disability outside the performance of duty. You may also be eligible for benefits from the Washington state departments of labor and industries and social and health services, the U.S. Social Security Administration, your employer, and other disability insurers.
If you are eligible to receive a benefit under RCW 41.40.235, your benefit will equal two percent of your average final compensation for each year of service credit, reduced by two percent for every year or fraction of a year that your age is less than fifty-five. For example, if you are fifty years old, your monthly disability benefit will be reduced by ten percent.
Example of benefit being reduced:
Due to a nonduty-related disability, Joe separated from service and began receiving a disability benefit of $1,000 per month. Joe became gainfully employed earning $2,500 per month. Joe's compensation at the time of separation adjusted for inflation is $3,000. Because Joe's current compensation, $2,500, is greater than his allowable earnings ($3,000 - $1,000 = $2,000) by $500, his benefit will be reduced by $500. Joe's reduced disability benefit will be $500 per month ($1,000 - $500).
Example of benefit being discontinued:
Due to a nonduty-related disability, Heidi separated from service and began receiving a disability benefit of $1,000 per month. Heidi became gainfully employed earning $4,000 per month. Heidi's compensation at the time of separation adjusted for inflation is $3,000. Because Heidi's current compensation, $4,000, is greater than her allowable earnings ($3,000 - $1,000 = $2,000) by an amount ($2,000) that is greater than her disability benefit ($1,000), her benefit will be discontinued.
Example:
Due to a nonduty-related disability, you separated from service and began receiving a disability benefit of $1,000 per month. You become gainfully employed earning $1,000 per month. Your compensation at the time of separation adjusted for inflation is $3,000. Because your current compensation, $1,000, is less than your allowable earnings ($3,000 - $1,000 = $2,000), your disability benefit will not be reduced or discontinued.
Wash. Admin. Code § 415-108-434
Statutory Authority: RCW 41.50.050(5), 41.40.230, 41.40.235,41.40.250. 09-18-051, § 415-108-434, filed 8/27/09, effective 9/27/09.