Continuing Eligibility for Ohio Police & Firefighters
Representation from Our Columbus Workers' Comp Eligibility Attorney
The Ohio Police & Fire Disability Pension Fund retains continuing jurisdiction to modify disability determinations. After the initial disability grant, subsequent circumstances may warrant a modification or termination of benefits. Below is a summary of some continuing eligibility considerations of which you should be aware.
Ohio Disability Claim: Continuing Eligibility
When you have received disability benefits, the Ohio Police & Fire Pension fund ("Police & Fire") has found you to be unable to work at police or fire employment or any type of similar employment. Under Ohio Revised Code 742.40(C), if you are receiving disability benefits, Police & Fire may terminate your benefits if one of their physicians certifies you as having recovered, or if you return to work as a police officer or firefighter.
Police & Fire Annual Medical Evaluation & Income
By September 1st of each year, you must submit an annual earnings statement to Police & Fire, reporting your earned income for the previous calendar year. Also, Police & Fire will conduct an annual medical evaluation of any member who would not have been eligible for a normal service retirement pension at the end of the reporting year. Police & Fire's Board of Trustees may waive these requirements if their physician has certified your disability is ongoing and that the disabling conditions meet the policy established by the Board of Trustees. Still, the Board reserves the right to order you to undergo a medical evaluation at any time.
Improvement in Earning Capacity
If you are receiving disability benefits, Police & Fire may reduce or terminate your benefits if you have experienced an improvement in your earning capacity. If Police & Fire terminates your disability benefits, you may still receive a retirement pension if you had sufficient service credits at retirement, and if you satisfy all other conditions for service retirement.
THE OPINIONS THAT MATTER MOST
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“Up front and honest”
Abbie has been nothing but amazing with my workman's comp claim. She is up front and honest about everything regarding my claim. She is down to earth and very approachable. She made sure they approved and paid for everything within my claim. If I ever needed her again I would absolutely choose her. I will also refer others to her as well.- F. Towns -
“Fantastic”
Wish I had contacted Chuck Zamora earlier in the workers comp process. Him and his group were fantastic, can't thank them enough.- Daniel S. -
“Highly recommended”
Mr Chuck helped me with a worker compensation claim,they worked with me throughout the process from day one until the end. He is respectful,knowledgeable on what he does and always open to answer your questions or concerns.....highly recommended- Former Client -
“Extremely knowledgeable”
Mr Zamura was extremely knowledgeable with all phases of my Ohio Police and Fire disability claim. He followed up on all aspects and made sure I was informed and up to date with everything going on. He was prompt at returning calls and emails if needed. His application paperwork was done very thoroughly which helped the process go much easier with the OP&F review board. His staff was great also. I would recommend him to anyone looking into a possible disability claim. I am from Akron and he is in Columbus. I only made 2 trips down to see him face to face. Everything else was done electronically or by phone.- Steve H. -
“A professional with high ethical standards”
I hired Mr Zamora and could not have been happier. He was a professional with high ethical standards and represented me well, gave me excellent legal advice, peace of mind through the process and handled everything efficiently and effectively! I would highly recommend him to any of my fellow police officers or fireman!- Don M. -
“ALWAYS treated me with kindness, dignity, & respect”
If I had to go through such a situation with BWC I’m forever grateful it was with these people walking through it together...Charles & his secretary Iesha & Danielle. They ALWAYS treated me with kindness, dignity, & respect. They treated my situation as if it just as important to them as it was to me. They ALWAYS made me feel like I was their only one... trust me they have many & for good reasons. It makes my heart happy knowing there are still hardworking wonderful people out there doing what they do & fighting for the right reasons because they genuinely care. I’ll always feel fortunate to have met them. 🙏❤️🙏- Erica -
“If you've been injured at your job then you need Abbie from Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A. She is the best!”
- Mostafa O.If you've been injured at your job then you need Abbie from Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A. She is the best! She is smart, patient, and hard working. Attorney Abbie Hogan will get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
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“This firm is very professional! They go above and beyond.”
“I would highly recommend to my family and friends.”- Trish R.
Recovery from Disability or Return to Police & Fire Work
If you have recovered and are able to return to your official police or fire duties, or you become employed as a police officer or firefighter, your disability benefits will end. If Police & Fire terminates your disability benefits, you may still receive a retirement pension if you had sufficient service credits at retirement, and if you satisfy all other conditions for service retirement.
For a comprehensive review of your continuing eligibility, reach out to our Columbus disability attorneys at Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A.. Get in touch now at (614) 344-6822 for personalized legal support.
Reinstatement Options for Ohio Police & Fire Personnel
Under Ohio Revised Code 742.40(C)(1), Police & Fire considers you to be on a "leave of absence" during the first five (5) years after you have resigned to receive a disability retirement benefit. If you recover and your disability benefits are terminated during this five-year time period, your employer at the time of your disability award, at your request, must reinstate you, subject to certain restrictions. If mutually agreeable to both you and a Police & Fire covered employer, you could be reinstated at any time. In either event, your disability benefit terminates, your active membership is reestablished with Police & Fire, you are given a service credit equal to the period of compensated disability, and your contributions are reduced by the total amount of disability benefits paid to you.
For a comprehensive review of your continuing eligibility, reach out to our Columbus disability attorneys at Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A.. Get in touch now at (614) 344-6822 for personalized legal support.
We are devoted to fighting for the rights of injured workers and their families. We provide personal attention to your claim, answer your questions promptly, and pursue all benefits you are entitled under the law.
