Accidental Disability Retirement

What Is Accidental Disability Retirement and How Do I File?

Accidental Disability Retirement (ADR) in Massachusetts is a benefit provided to eligible public employees who suffer a disabling injury or illness that is job-related. This benefit is designed to provide financial support to employees who are unable to perform their job duties due to a qualifying injury or illness.

To qualify for ADR, an employee must meet specific criteria, including having a disabling condition that is likely to be permanent and preventing them from performing their job duties.

The process for applying for ADR and the specific requirements can vary, so it’s important for individuals to consult with their employer or a legal professional for guidance. Here’s a general outline of the process:

1. Notify Your Employer: Inform your employer in writing about your intention to apply for ADR. Include details about your injury or illness and how it occurred.

2. Obtain Medical Documentation: You’ll need to gather medical documentation supporting your claim, including records of your injury, treatment, and prognosis. This may require evaluations by medical professionals designated by your employer or the retirement board.

3. Complete the Application: Obtain the ADR application form from your employer or the Massachusetts Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) website. Complete the form accurately and thoroughly, providing all requested information and supporting documentation.

4. Submit the Application: Submit your completed application, along with all required documentation, to the appropriate retirement board. Make sure to keep copies of everything you submit for your records.

5. Review and Decision: The retirement board will review your application and supporting documentation. They may request additional information through the course of a hearing, or additional medical evaluations if needed. Once they have all the necessary information, the board will make a decision on your claim.

6. Notification of Decision: You will receive written notification of the retirement board’s decision. If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving Accidental Disability Retirement benefits once PERAC calculates your financial benefit amount.

7. Appeal Process: If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision through the Massachusetts Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA). The appeal process involves a hearing before an administrative law judge, who will review the evidence and make a decision.

It’s important to note that the process and requirements for filing an ADR claim can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the retirement system you are covered by. It’s advisable to seek guidance from your employer, a legal professional, or a representative from the retirement board to ensure you understand and comply with all requirements.

Conveniently located in Danvers on the North Shore of Boston, the accidental disability retirement lawyers of Chisholm Law LLC help injured workers throughout Massachusetts, including communities such as Woburn, Beverly, Lawrence, Chelmsford, Salem, Peabody, Lynn and Wakefield, as well as the Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire, South Shore and Greater Boston areas.

For a free case evaluation of your ADR claim, please contact Eric online or call us at (978) 703-0700 to speak directly with Eric. Your time is valuable and you need questions answered. You won’t waste time speaking with anyone other than Eric, who has 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of workers who were injured in the course and scope of their employment.