1.  You are prevented from engaging in “substantial gainful activity.”
2.  It is expected to last at least 12 months.

1.  You are eligible to apply from your first day of disability.
2.  You must have been employed in a job or jobs for five of the last 10 years.

Social Security General Information (1-800) 772-1213
Newport News Office (757) 873-3914
Hampton Office (757) 728-0221
Visit the Social Security web page at: http://www.ssa.gov/

What is meant by disability?

You are unable to perform your job because of a physical or mental disability and the disability is likely to be permanent.; can be “Regular” or “Work-Related.”

A work related disability is a disability for which you have received a Workers’ Compensation award and the compensable condition is determined to be the primary cause of your disability.

Read the VRS Disability Fact Sheet.

You are prevented from doing all the material and substantial duties of your own occupation; can be totally or partially disabled under this plan.

When can I apply?

1.You are eligible to apply from your first day of employment, provided the disability did not exist at the time you were employed (unless the condition worsened substantially since your employment).

2.You may apply either while you are employed in a VRS-covered position, or within 90 days after your employment ends.

1.You are eligible to apply from your first day of employment; however, there is a 6 month waiting period before benefits become payable.

2.There is a 12 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

How do I apply?

Contact Human Resources to answer your questions and process the necessary forms.

Contact Human Resources to answer your questions and process the necessary forms.

What forms/documents do I need?

For Regular or Work-Related Disability:

1.Application for Disability Retirement (Form VRS-6 – 2 pgs.)

2. Disability Information (Form VRS-6a – 2pgs.)

3. Physician’s Report (Form VRS-6b – 2 pgs.)

4.Direct Deposit Form (Form VRS-57 – 1 pg.)

5.Federal and State Income Tax Withholding Form  (Form VRS-15 – 1 pg.)

6. Beneficiary Change Form (Form VRS-2 – 3 pgs.) [If you are changing your beneficiary]

7. Birth certificate or other proof of age for yourself and your contingent annuitant, if applicable

8. Social Security disability award or denial, or receipt of application for a Social Security disability award

Human Resources provides:

1. Job description

2. Employer Information for Disability Application (Form VRS-6d – 1 pg.)

 In addition, for Work-Related Disability:

Your workers’ compensation award and accident report

1. Application for Long Term Disability Income Benefits (REQUEST FROM HR)

2. Copy of your Drivers License

Approximately how much will I receive?

1. You may complete a Request For Estimate of Disability Retirement Benefits (Form VRS-6c – 1 pg.).

2. Human Resources can calculate using software provided by the VRS.

3. You can calculate by visiting the VRS web site at: http://www.state.va.us/vrs/benf-cal.htm

60% monthly income, less other benefit payments.  Minimum of $50/month up to maximum of $5,000/month.

How long does it take?

It takes approximately 90 days to process your application.

It takes approximately 45 days from receipt of claim.

Additional information?

Virginia Retirement System (1-888) 827-3447

Visit the VRS web page at: http://www.state.va.us/vrs/vrs-home.htm

Standard Insurance Company

Coverage for natural death

Continues at no cost to you

Insurance reduces 2% per month until it reaches 25% of its original value

Coverage for accidental death and dismemberment

Discontinues

N/A

Additional information?

Virginia Retirement System (1-888) 827-3447
Visit the VRS web page at: http://www.state.va.us/vrs/vrs-home.htm

Coverage

1. Coverage can continue for you, your spouse, and dependent children.

2. Cost of coverage is based on your credible compensation immediately prior to retirement.

3. Premiums will be deducted from your benefit check.  

1. Coverage ends.

2. You, your spouse, and children may convert to an individual whole life policy at non-group rates.

3. No physical exam is required

What forms/documents do I need?

None

Contact Human Resources for a “Conversion Packet” from Minnesota Mutual

Additional information?

Contact Human Resources or

Minnesota Life, Richmond Branch Office  (1-800) 441-2258
Newport News Office (757) 873-0771
Visit the Minnesota Life web page at:  http://www.minnesotamutual.com/

How will my premiums be affected?

1. While on paid leave, the County will continue to pay its portion and your portion will be deducted from your paycheck.

2. While on leave without pay, the County will continue to pay its portion and you will be responsible for sending your portion to the payroll office by the 14^th of the month.

3. Once your disability retirement is in effect or employment terminated, you will need to decide whether to continue to be covered under the County plan or obtain coverage from another provider.

What if I want to continue County group coverage?

If you are age 50 with at least 15 years service

1. You and your covered spouse/children may continue to participate until you are eligible for Medicare.

2. You pay the full premium.

3. Complete a new health and/or dental insurance enrollment form within 60 days of your last day of employment.

4. Send premium payments to the Payroll Office by the 14th of each month.  

If you are under age 50 or have less than 15 years service

1. Under COBRA, you can continue coverage for up to 29 months and your covered spouse/children can continue coverage for up to 36 months, depending the reason for leaving the group. (Contact HR for additional information.)

2. You pay the full premium plus a 2% administrative fee.

3. Complete a new health and/or dental insurance enrollment form within 60 days of your last day of employment.

4. Send premium payments to the Payroll Office by the 14th of each month.

Once you become eligible for Medicare, you can no longer participate in County group coverage.

What if I choose to enroll in non-group coverage?

1. You may also choose not to participate in the County’s group coverage. 

2. To maintain continuous coverage and pre-existing condition exclusions, enroll within 31 days from the day your coverage under the County plan ends. In accordance with The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the County will provide you a “Certification of Group Health Insurance Coverage” indicating the dates of your coverage with James City County that can be applied to any waiting periods.

What forms/documents do I need?

1. Election to Continue Health Insurance and Medical Spending Accounts (REQUEST FROM HR)

2. Health Insurance Enrollment (Trigon or Optima -- REQUEST FROM HR)

3.Delta Dental Enrollment (JCC-HR Form)

Additional Information?

Trigon (Key Care and HealthKeepers) (1-800) 334-7676
Optima (1-800) 736-8272

What if I want to continue to participate?

1. You may continue with after tax dollars for up to 18 additional months. 

2. Send payment plus a 2% administrative fee to the Payroll Office by the 14th of each month.

3. Expenses must be incurred during the months that you have paid for coverage.

Can no longer participate.

What forms/documents do I need?

Election to Continue Health Insurance and Medical Spending Accounts (JCC-HR Form)

What if I want to discontinue?

Expenses must be incurred prior to your last day of employment in order to be reimbursed.

Additional information?

Flexible Benefits Administrators Inc. (1-800) 437-3539

What are my payment schedule options?

You may:

1)      receive a lump sum payment on which you will pay income taxes, or

2)      select from a variety of payment schedules such as monthly, quarterly, to take effect now or in the future, or

3) roll it over into another 457 account

When do I need to decide?

1. You must choose an option and submit withdrawal papers within 60 days of your separation date.

2. If you do not submit withdrawal papers, you will not receive your benefit payment until you are 65.

When can I receive payments?

1. You may elect to begin payments any time between your last day of employment and the year in which you reach 70 years.  If you elect to receive payments immediately, you will receive your first check on the 61^st day after leaving employment.     

2. You can make a one-time election to postpone the designated payment date to a future date as late as April 1 of the year following the year you reach age 70-1/2, or the year of retirement, if later. 

3. If you fail to make a timely selection, your payments will begin on April 1^st  of the calendar year after the year in which you reach age 65.

What forms/documents do I need?

More information?

Call the ICMA representative at (1-800) 735-7202, Ext. 6911.