A service pension is a retirement benefit based on years of service or other non-disability requirements (i.e., is
not based on disability and therefore does not cause offset).
The State disability pension discussed in DI 52135.130A. above ends when the individual becomes eligible for a service pension. When the disability
benefit is converted to a service pension (i.e., PDB converted to retirement benefit),
the service pension is generally provided on the same terms as apply under regular
retirement. The following factors apply when a disability pension is converted to
a retirement pension:
-
•
The disability benefit terminates when the disabled person attains the minimum age
or number of years of service to begin receiving a service pension in the amount equal
to the amount of the disability benefit. When this occurs, the disabled person is
deemed a service pensioner and is entitled to receive a service pension.
-
•
There is no requirement that a person must remain disabled in order to receive a service
pension once the disability benefit ceases.
-
•
Once the disabled person becomes a service pensioner, that person cannot be eligible
for disability benefits after that date even if they become “permanently disabled.”
-
•
If a converted service pensioner does become “permanently disabled,” that person can
receive a service pension equal to the amount of the disability benefit which would
have been paid if the person had been entitled to the disability benefit; or the amount
of the service pension, whichever is greater.