Our Disability Retirement Attorney Explains Disability Retirement for Maryland Teachers

While teachers in Maryland are generally employees of the County where their school is located, teachers qualify for disability retirement under the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS). Unfortunately, determining when you are eligible and how to claim your benefits isn’t always easy. If you are a teacher who cannot work and wonder about your options, a Maryland disability retirement lawyer can provide you with valuable guidance.

How a Maryland Teacher Can Qualify for Disability Retirement

Under the Maryland system, teachers can qualify for disability retirement if they meet the following three criteria:

1. They have been employed as a public school teacher for at least five years; 
2. Their disability is deemed permanent and prevents them from performing the duties required by their job; and
3. Their disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year. 

It is important to note that the first criteria do not apply if your injury or illness that caused your disability occurred during your employment. 

Otherwise, your disability does not need to have been related to or caused by your job to qualify. In addition, you do not need to prove that you cannot perform any job, just that you are no longer able to work as a teacher. If you are wondering whether you qualify, our attorney can review your case and provide guidance. 

Filing a Disability Claim 

Unfortunately, you will not automatically receive disability retirement benefits. You will first need to file a disability claim with your school’s retirement coordinator. In addition, you will need to provide documentation of your claim, including your employment records and medical documentation regarding your disability. A Maryland disability retirement lawyer can help you complete the relevant forms and collect the documentation you need. 

Review by the Medical Board in Maryland

Once your application has been received, it will be submitted to the Maryland system’s Medical Review Board. Generally speaking, the Medical Review Board will review your claim and decide within 90 days. 

Why You Should Work with a Disability Retirement Attorney

It is an unfortunate reality that claims do get rejected by the Board or the MSRPS. At this point, you can request reconsideration. You will likely have to submit additional documentation supporting your claim that you are permanently disabled. Your case may eventually be scheduled for a hearing before an administrative law judge. You should expect that the MSRP will be represented by an assistant attorney general who will have an expert prepared to testify that you are not disabled. A Maryland disability retirement lawyer can improve your chances of getting your claim approved from the outset but can also help you successfully navigate the appeal process if necessary. 

Emmett B. Irwin – Helping Disabled Teachers Get the Benefits They Need 

If you can no longer teach and are considering retirement, we can help you understand your options and get the benefits you deserve. Contact a Maryland disability retirement lawyer today at 443-839-0818 to schedule a free consultation to discuss what we can do for you.