Disability Benefits

If you become disabled while working for a Wisconsin Retirement System employer, you may be eligible to receive WRS disability benefits that will give you income for the time you are unable to work (short-term or long-term). Click on the Related Resources for each benefit to get more information and see if you are eligible to receive the benefit.

Each year, recipients of disability benefits must complete and submit form(s) to ensure that their benefits continue without interruption. It is crucial that all required forms are submitted timely to prevent suspension of the benefit.

This benefit comes from your WRS retirement account and gives you a lifetime monthly annuity payment if you become disabled and must stop working before your normal retirement age. You may consult the Disability Retirement Benefits (ET-5107) booklet to determine eligibility.

Eligible members can request a disability retirement estimate in My Benefits or by calling ETF. My Benefits is an online system where you can manage your ETF-administered benefits easily and securely 24/7.

If you are within one year of minimum retirement age (49 for those in a protective occupation and 54 for all others), also complete a Retirement Estimate Request to determine the appropriate benefit for you.

This program is for protective occupation employees only. It replaces a portion of your income if you are hurt while working, or get a disease due to your job, and are unable to perform your full protective job duties.

The Income Continuation Insurance (ICI) program is an income replacement plan that replaces a portion of your income if you are unable to work because of sickness or injury (both short and long term).

This program is closed to new claims. People who are currently approved for LTDI benefits will continue to receive benefits under program rules.