CT SB00464

Municipalities may provide disability benefits to retired public safety employees (firefighters and police officers) who became permanently and totally disabled from injuries sustained in the line of duty, using a two-thirds vote of the legislative body or board of selectmen.

Eligible retired public safety employees must be under age 65, totally disabled for any suitable public safety job, and apply through the same medical examining board process used for disability retirement determinations under section 7-432.

The disability benefit amount equals the difference between the retiree's state or federal benefits and their regular rate of pay at retirement, calculated by the municipal treasurer based on financial documentation provided by the employee.

Disability benefits are paid annually in monthly installments and continue until the retiree attains age 65, as long as they remain permanently and totally disabled as determined through required eligibility reviews.

The act takes effect July 1, 2020 and amends Connecticut General Statutes section 7-460d.