PERA Police and Fire Plan
Overview of Disability Benefits
A Minnesota police officer or firefighter who suffers from a disability that is expected to prevent him or her from performing his or her normal duties for a period of at least one year may be eligible for disability benefits under the PERA Police and Fire Plan.
Regular disability benefits are payable at a base rate of 45% of the member’s high-five salary. If the disability is the result of a work-related injury or illness, and the injury or illness was incurred while performing inherently dangerous duties specific to police officers or firefighters, the police officer or firefighter may be eligible for duty disability benefits. Duty disability benefits are payable at a base rate of 60% of the member’s high-five salary and are non-taxable. Additional benefits are available for police officers or firefighters with over 20 years vested in PERA. A police officer or firefighter who qualifies for duty disability benefits is also eligible for healthcare continuation benefits under Minn. Stat. §299A.465.
Total and permanent regular or duty disability benefits are available to police officers or firefighters who are permanently and totally disabled from all substantial gainful employment.
