1) Introduction to CalSTRS Disability Benefits 2013–14 

2) CalSTRS Disability Benefits We hope all CalSTRS members will lead long, healthy working lives. But since illness and injury can interrupt careers, CalSTRS provides disability benefits to all qualifying Defined Benefit Program members. This brochure provides basic information about CalSTRS disability coverage, eligibility requirements and the application process. It is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for personalized information about your specific situation. If you believe you may be eligible for a disability benefit, contact CalSTRS for a detailed discussion. Eligibility Basics As a CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program member, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits if you have a medical condition that will prevent you from working for at least a year. You may also receive benefits for your eligible dependent children. To qualify for a CalSTRS disability benefit, you must meet the requirements, including: 1. You must have at least five years of service credit for work performed in California. Exception: If you were the victim of an unlawful act on the job, you may qualify with one year of service credit. Please contact us for more information. 2. You must have a medically determined impairment that is permanent or expected to last 12 or more continuous months beyond your last day of work. 3. The impairment must prevent you from performing: • Your usual duties, with or without reasonable modification from your employer— for example, a classroom aide or special equipment. • Duties of a comparable level position. 4. You must apply within certain time frames (see “Timing and Deadlines” under “Application Process”). 5. Your disability must be substantiated by medical documentation. Your disability determination will be based on criteria established in the California Education Code, not those used by other disability benefit providers such as Social Security. Disability benefits are not available for an impairment that existed before you became a CalSTRS member unless the impairment has substantially worsened. To learn more, contact a CalSTRS benefits counselor. K DBOOfits ER HAN MEMB to CalSTRS Bene ide Your Gu 2013 Your Disability Ben For Defined Bene efits Guide fit Members 2013–14 MEMB See the current Member Handbook or ER HAND BOOK Your Disability Benefits Guide, available Your Gu ide to FAX ces Resour TED NEC STAY CON -5040 916-414 Services Member erfront Place 95605 100 Wat ramento, CA West Sac nearest Find your office at fices CalSTRS .com/localof CalSTRS on CalSTRS.com. 2013 il .com CalSTRS tact Us to ema Click Con om mpare.c 403bCo 2.com Pension .us benefits CalSTRS -5453 800-228 6 p.m. to ay 7 a.m. through Frid Monday -2060 888-394 Pension2® CalSTRSl Wealth Plan Persona free) 8 (toll g Hotline -246 855-844 Abuse Reportin Pension VISIT s WEB CalSTRS 15275 P. O. Box ento, CA Sacram 275 95851-0 S Benefit WRITE CALL CalSTR CalSTRS State California nt System ’ Retireme 15275 Teachers .O. P Box 275 51-0 nto CA 958 -5453 Sacrame 800-228 com CalSTRS. ) 9 (rev 1/13 COM 151 Introduction to CalSTRS Disability Benefits • 2013–14 2 

3) Coverage A or Coverage B There are two types of disability benefit coverage: Coverage A and Coverage B. If you became a member of CalSTRS on or after October 16, 1992, you have Coverage B. If you became a member before October 16, 1992, and did not elect Coverage B before April 1993, you have Coverage A. In general, the basic disability benefit available under both types of coverage is 50 percent of your final compensation. The maximum benefit you can receive, including benefits for eligible dependent children, is 90 percent of your final compensation. Coverage A • You must be under age 60 to receive disability benefits. If you are 60 or older and have at least five years of service credit, you may apply for a service retirement benefit. • If you are over age 45 with fewer than 10 years of service credit, your disability benefit will be 5 percent of your final compensation times your years of service credit, instead of 50 percent of your final compensation. For example, with seven years of service credit, your benefit would be 35 percent of your final compensation (7 years of service credit x 5 percent of final compensation = 35 percent of final compensation). • When you turn 60, your disability benefit will end (unless you still have dependent children) and you may apply for service retirement. Your service retirement benefit may be less than your disability benefit. Coverage B • You may apply for disability benefits at any age. • Your disability benefits can continue for life, as long as you remain disabled. If you’re not sure which coverage you have, see your Retirement Progress Report, access your myCalSTRS account or call 800-228-5453 to speak with a CalSTRS customer representative. CalSTRS can help you. Introduction to CalSTRS Disability Benefits • 2013–14 3 

4) Application Process Timing and Deadlines You should apply for a disability benefit before you exhaust other benefits available to you. If approved, your disability benefit will go into effect on whichever of the following dates occurs later: You must provide all information requested to qualify for a CalSTRS disability benefit. If you do not submit requested information, we cannot determine your eligibility and your application will be rejected. • The first day of the month in which we receive your application. • The day after the last day of service for which you were paid. We encourage you to apply while you are working or receiving sick leave or differential pay from your employer so that you have income while your application is pending. Written Decision If you are no longer working, contact us for information on filing timelines. Service Retirement During Evaluation of a Disability Benefits Application Filing and Review You must submit a completed Disability Benefits Application to CalSTRS, not to your employer. The form is in the Your Disability Benefits Guide, which is available at CalSTRS.com, from a benefits counselor or by calling 800-228-5453. We understand that each disability case is unique, so processing times vary. We will send you written notice of the final decision. If your application is not approved, you may have the right to reapply or appeal. We will describe your rights in the written notice. If you’re eligible for CalSTRS service retirement, you may want to apply for service retirement as part of your Disability Benefits Application, so you can receive a monthly retirement benefit while your disability application is being evaluated. After we receive your application, your case will be assigned to a CalSTRS disability analyst who will work with you throughout the application process. or If you are eligible for service retirement, you may receive a retirement benefit while your or disability application is being evaluated. or or Introduction to CalSTRS Disability Benefits • 2013–14 4 

5) Benefit Reductions Health Benefits Under Coverage A and Coverage B, your monthly disability benefit will be reduced by any workers’ compensation benefits you receive for the same disability. Under Coverage A, your disability benefit will also be reduced by payments you receive from other public systems for the same disability, such as Social Security disability benefits or income protection payments. For either coverage, if you return to any employment after you are approved for a disability benefit, your benefit will be reduced if you exceed specific earnings limits. Because CalSTRS does not provide health benefits, your disability benefit will not include health benefit coverage by CalSTRS. Please contact your employer if you have questions regarding the continuation of your health benefits from your employer. Future Health Changes Because medical conditions may improve, we periodically review the eligibility of all disability benefit recipients. If your health or work situation changes, you are required to inform us. CalSTRS Counseling Services Receiving a disability benefit may affect your service retirement benefit. Before you apply for a disability benefit, we recommend that you talk to a CalSTRS benefits counselor about your specific situation. The counselor can explain the application process and eligibility requirements, and evaluate if receiving a disability benefit will affect your service retirement benefit. If you are at least 55 years old, you may also want to consider if you would be better off retiring with a service retirement instead of applying for a disability benefit. A CalSTRS benefits counselor can provide information to help you decide. CalSTRS counselors cannot advise whether you meet the medical qualifications for a disability benefit. CalSTRS is governed by the Teachers’ Retirement Law. If there is a conflict between the law and this booklet, the law prevails. Introduction to CalSTRS Disability Benefits • 2013–14 5 

6) CalSTRS Resources WEB CALL WRITE VISIT FAX CalSTRS.com Click Contact Us to email 800-228-5453 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday CalSTRS P.O. Box 15275 Sacramento, CA 95851-0275 Member Services 100 Waterfront Place West Sacramento, CA 95605 916-414-5040 403bCompare.com Pension2.com STAY CONNECTED 888-394-2060 CalSTRS Pension2® Personal Wealth Plan Find your nearest CalSTRS office at CalSTRS.com/localoffices 855-844-2468 (toll free) Pension Abuse Reporting Hotline California State Teachers’ Retirement System COM 1518 (rev 5/13) Printed on recycled paper