SD SB52

Executive director of the South Dakota Retirement System determines eligibility for disability benefits applications submitted after June 30, 2015, based on statements from health care providers and employers

Disability advisory committee or executive director may require independent medical examinations and functional capacity assessments; refusal to undergo these evaluations is grounds for denying the application or suspending benefits

Approved disability benefits begin the month following termination of contributory service; approval expires if the member fails to terminate contributory service within one year of receiving approval notice

Benefits terminate if a health care provider certifies the member is no longer disabled, with the executive director following the same review procedures used for initial determinations

Termination orders must be sent via certified mail, with benefits ending 60 days after the order is mailed