You may be eligible for a lump-sum disability benefit if you are an in-service member or you are on an official leave of absence, and you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of no more than 12 months.

In addition, if you are a Tier III member, you must be eligible to receive primary Social Security disability benefits if you are under age 65, and you must waive the benefits of any statutory presumption relating to the cause of disability or eligibility for disability benefits.

If you are determined to be eligible for a lump-sum disability benefit, you would receive a benefit equaling the amount payable (as a death benefit) had you died on your last day of active service.

Please note that, if you meet the Total Service Credit requirement for ordinary disability retirement (10 years for members filing under Tiers I, II, IV, and VI, 5 years for members filing under Tier III), you must also apply for an ordinary disability retirement when you request a lump-sum disability benefit. Your case would be reviewed by TRS' Medical Board, and you would be scheduled for a medical examination. The Medical Board would then determine whether you are eligible for an ordinary disability retirement and/or the lump-sum disability benefit.

For more information, please see the Lump-Sum Disability Benefit brochure.