Disability Retirement
Members who are no longer able to perform the duties of their NHRS-covered employment due to an incapacity (either mental or physical) that is likely to be permanent may qualify for a Disability Retirement benefit. The Disability Retirement pension will be payable for the eligible member’s lifetime if the member’s disability continues.
There are two primary types of disability benefits:
- Ordinary Disability, which is a non-job-related permanent incapacity
- Accidental Disability, which is a job-related permanent incapacity
In addition, there is a Group II (Police and Fire) Violent Accidental Disability limited to circumstances where a member “has been totally and permanently incapacitated for duty as the result of a purposeful, hostile, and violent attack upon such member in the line of duty.”
Eligibility for Ordinary Disability Retirement (non job-related)
A member may qualify for Ordinary Disability Retirement under the following conditions:
- Active member becomes disabled due to a non-work-related condition
- Member’s disability is likely to be permanent
- Minimum of 10 years of Creditable Service is required
- Member’s application for disability retirement is filed within one year of the date the member's contributions to NHRS cease
- Member’s Disability Retirement application is approved by the NHRS Board of Trustees or its Benefits Committee
Eligibility for Accidental Disability Retirement (job-related)
A member may qualify for Accidental Disability Retirement under the following conditions:
- Active member becomes disabled due to a work-related condition
- Member’s disability is likely to be permanent
- No minimum service is required
- Member’s application for disability retirement is filed within one year of the date the member's contributions to NHRS cease
- Member’s Disability Retirement application is approved by the NHRS Board of Trustees or its Benefits Committee
- Generally, there must be a finding of compensability under Workers’ Compensation by the employer, the employer's insurance carrier or the Commissioner of Labor
Eligibility for Group II Violent Accidental Disability Retirement
A Group II member who is granted Accidental Disability benefits may subsequently qualify for Violent Accidental Disability Retirement under the following conditions:
- Active Group II member becomes disabled from a violent attack in the line of duty as defined in RSA 100-A:6, II(e)
- Group II member’s disability is likely to be permanent
- No minimum service is required
- Group II member’s application for disability retirement is filed within one year of the date the Group II member's contributions to NHRS cease
- The Commissioner of the Department of Safety determines that the incapacitating event meets the criteria of a violent attack under RSA 100-A:6, II(e) and notifies the NHRS Board of Trustees. Note: If a Violent Accidental Disability Retirement is granted, the benefit will be retroactive to the first day of the month following the date of application.
Disability Retirement Brochure