Unlike regular service retirements that can occur when certain age and service credit requirements are met, disability retirements must be granted by the KCERA Board of Retirement. The Board relies on KCERA staff and medical professionals to help it determine eligibility and review disability applications. Once the application process is complete, the Board decides whether to grant or deny the application.

If you are considering filing a disability application, please call the KCERA office at (661) 381-7700. Member Services staff will counsel you on what to expect during the disability application process. For a complete and authoritative explanation of the rules governing the disability application process, please read KCERA’s Rules of Procedure for Disability Retirement. 

The Disability Process

To begin the disability retirement process, you must first complete a required counseling session with a KCERA team member. Following this counseling, you will be provided with KCERA’s official Disability Application Packet.

KCERA provides all Disability Application Packets at no cost. These packets are available only directly from KCERA and are not distributed through third parties.

Please be aware that some third-party websites and law offices may claim to offer Disability Application Packets, sometimes for a fee. KCERA does not authorize or distribute application materials through any third party.

Applications that were not issued directly by KCERA will not be accepted. If you submit materials obtained from a third party, you will be required to complete the counseling process and resubmit your application using KCERA’s current official packet.

This requirement applies to all components of the application, including the Attending Physician Report. KCERA is not responsible for and will not reimburse any costs incurred in completing the documents or obtaining records for submission with the application.

Applicants must complete and submit the forms contained in KCERA’s Disability Retirement Application Packet, except for the Attending Physician Report (APR), which must be completed by a qualified physician. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain the APR and applicable medical records from the physician before submitting the required forms to KCERA.

• For a map of the disability process, please review our Disability Flowchart

KCERA recognizes that its disability application process is lengthy and complex. However, KCERA and/or the Managed Medical Review Organization (MMRO) staff communicate with applicants and/or their attorneys at every major stage of the process, either by phone or in writing. 

Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability retirement?

You are not required to have legal counsel to apply for disability retirement with KCERA. Our team will guide you through the application process during your counseling session and provide the necessary forms.

You are welcome to retain an attorney at your own discretion; however, it is not required at any stage of the application process.