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Disability Retirement

Disability Retirement

Your rights and responsibilities

As soon as you are temporarily unable to perform your job due to a medical condition, it is to your advantage to apply for Short term disability benefits (if applicable) and long term disability insurance.
If your doctor has indicated that you will never be able to perform your job again or in the definable future due to your medical condition, then a leave status meeting will be scheduled with you and your union representative to discuss your options.

The steps that will be reviewed are as follows:

  • Can you perform the essential functions of your job without modification or accommodation?

  • Can you perform the essential functions of your job only with a modification or accommodation and is that reasonable?

  • If you are not released to perform the essential functions of your job now or ever, your FMLA/KCFML job protection rights have ended and you are released to other work, then the job reassignment program will be addressed as defined in King County Policies & Procedures Disability Accomodation in Employment.

  • If you are not released to perform the essential functions of your job now or ever, your FMLA/KCFML job protection rights have ended and you are not released to other work at this time, then a medical termination may be addressed.

  • If you are not released to perform the essential functions of your job or any job on a permanent basis and your FMLA/KCFML job protection rights have ended, then a medical termination may be addressed with a referral to the Department of Retirement Systems for a disability retirement.

  • Department of Retirement System:
  • Benefits and Retirement Operations contact: 206-684-1556
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