|
1. |
Who administers the Fire &
Police Pension System of the City of Los Angeles? |
| 2. |
How do I qualify for a
disability pension? |
| 3. |
What does
"Service-Connected" mean? |
| 4. |
If I am granted a
disability retirement, do I get a refund of my contributions
which I have made to the pension fund? |
| 5. |
How do I know if I qualify
or should apply for a disability pension? |
| 6. |
If a doctor does support
my claim indicating that I cannot perform my job duties, when
should I apply? |
| 7. |
After I have applied for
disability pension, how long does it take to complete the
process? |
| 8. |
Do I need an attorney to
apply for disability retirement? |
|
9. |
If I hire an attorney, how
much does it cost? |
| |
|
Q1. |
Who administers the Fire & Police Pension System of the
City of Los Angeles? |
| A1. |
The Department of Pensions
of the City of Los Angeles administers all applications for
disability retirement of any kind, including death benefits.
The Board of Pension Commissioners of the City of Los Angeles
meet on a regular basis and either approve or deny
applications for the aforesaid disability pension benefits.
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|
Q2. |
How do I qualify for a disability pension? |
|
A2. |
To qualify for a
service-connected disability pension, it must be found that
you are permanently incapacitated from the performance of your
duties and additionally to duties to which you may be
assigned, including light or restricted duties. In order to
receive a service-connected disability pension, you must show
that your disability is as a result of service-connected
causes.
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|
Q3. |
What does "Service-Connected" mean? |
| A3. |
Generally speaking,
"Service-Connected" means work-related; however, there are
legal distinctions between benefits that may be received
through workers' compensation and benefits to which you may be
entitled under the Charter of the City of Los Angeles.
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|
Q4. |
If I am granted a disability retirement, do I get a refund
of my contributions which I have made to the pension fund? |
|
A4. |
No. All individual
contributions will be commingled with the contributions made
on your behalf by the City of Los Angeles. These contributions
and the investments made with the pool funds are the funds
from which you receive a monthly pension allowance for the
remainder of your life.
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|
Q5. |
How do I know if I qualify or should apply for a disability
pension? |
|
A5. |
You must have a medical
condition of such seriousness that it substantially precludes
you from undertaking your assigned duties. You will be
evaluated by three doctors on behalf of the Department of
Pensions. Accordingly, it is best to consult with your
treating doctors prior to filing your Application for
Disability Retirement.
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|
Q6. |
If a doctor does support my claim indicating that I cannot
perform my job duties, when should I apply? |
|
A6. |
The timing of the filing of
an application is complicated; however, you generally have a
right to apply at any time that you are a member of the
Pension Department, or within one year from the separation of
service (such as due to resignation, termination or the taking
of a service retirement). If you have filed a workers'
compensation claim within this one year separation of service,
you may be allowed to file later. However, it is recommended
that you file your disability retirement application before
you conclude service with your Department wherever possible.
If you file after separation of service, you must show that
you were disabled at the time of separation and continuously
thereafter.
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|
Q7. |
After I have applied for disability pension, how long does
it take to complete the process? |
| A7. |
This is a difficult question to answer, but presently most
applications seem to take at least 9-12 months. Sometimes,
depending on several factors, the process can take less or
more time.
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|
Q8. |
Do I need an attorney to apply for disability retirement? |
| A8. |
While an attorney is not
necessary, nevertheless an attorney can improve the chances of
success by presenting the case in an accurate and complete
manner. All applications which are brought before the Board
are prepared by city employees of the Department of Pensions.
These employees are allowed to write a written and detailed
recommendation as to how the Board of Pension Commissioners
should rule on your application. The Police and Fire
Department will also be allowed to have a representative at
your hearing, who will make a statement as to whether a job
should be made available consistent with your work
restrictions.
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|
Q9. |
If I hire an attorney, how much does it cost? |
| A9. |
Attorneys fees vary
depending on the case. Generally the largest portion of the
fee is on a contingent basis. This means that you do not pay a
fee unless you are successful in obtaining a disability
retirement.
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