Updated October 22, 2026. Quick answer: The VSERS Group F plan description says there are two forms of disability retirement: service-connected, with no minimum service, and ordinary, which needs at least five years of service. An application must be filed not later than 90 days after separation from service, and the benefit has a minimum of 25% of average final compensation (AFC).
What this covers
The Group F plan description has a section headed “Disability Retirement” in its eligibility part and another under the benefit calculation. This page quotes both. For the wider choices, see Vermont VSERS and VSTRS retirement decisions and public pension retirement decisions.
What the plan description says
Each row is the plan description’s own wording.
| Topic | What the plan description says |
|---|---|
| Two kinds | “There are two forms of disability retirement: service-connected disability and ordinary disability.” |
| Service-connected | “With a service-connected disability, there is no minimum service requirement; the Board of Trustees determines if you are disabled (as the result of an on-the-job injury) on the basis of medical evidence.” |
| Ordinary | “For ordinary disability there are two requirements: the Board of Trustees must determine you are disabled on the basis of medical evidence, and you must have at least five years of service.” |
| Filing deadline | “If you become disabled, you are eligible to apply for disability retirement if your application is filed not later than 90 days after the date you separated from service, and you have met the criteria listed above.” |
| Who reviews | “Your application is subject to review and certification by the Medical Review Board (MRB) and approval by the Board of Trustees that you are disabled on the basis of medical evidence.” |
| The test | “You are considered eligible for a disability pension if it is certified by the MRB that you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from performing the duties of your position.” |
| Benefit amount | “Your disability benefit is calculated the same way as a normal benefit, except there is a minimum benefit payable of 25% of your AFC.” |
The deadline, stated twice
“Please note that you must apply for a disability retirement benefit within 90 days after separation of service with the State of Vermont.”
Reviews and ending the benefit
“An annual review of the status of your disability may occur and would be based thereafter on your ability to perform any occupation.” “Post-disability income would be considered and can reduce your benefit.” “Your eligibility ceases at the end of the month in which you recover and/or are determined no longer disabled.” “Termination of a disability pension does not affect your right to apply for a transfer to a normal or early pension benefit, if qualified.”
Where to ask
“You should contact the Retirement Office if you have any questions concerning disability benefits or the application process.” For disability income from an employer’s private plan, see what happens when long-term disability ends at 65.
What the plan description does not say
The section does not define AFC beyond the normal retirement part of the page, prints no sample payment, and does not set out the Medical Review Board’s procedure. The 25% floor and the formula apply as stated, so get an estimate from the Retirement Office.
Edition
This page reads the Vermont State Treasurer, VSERS Group F Plan Description, the web page the Vermont Treasurer served on 2026-10-22. It describes Group F, which the page says covers state employees employed on or after January 1, 1991. Groups A, C and D and the teachers’ system (VSTRS) have their own plan descriptions, and Vermont law and your own member account control over this summary.
Common mistakes
- Missing the 90 day deadline. The plan description says “you must apply for a disability retirement benefit within 90 days after separation of service”.
- Assuming a work injury still needs five years. The plan description says “If the disability is the result of a work-related injury, then there is no service requirement.”
Related: Vermont VSERS and VSTRS retirement decisions, public pension retirement decisions, and when long-term disability ends at 65.
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Answer againSources
- Vermont State Treasurer, VSERS Group F Plan Description: www.vermonttreasurer.gov
- Related official page (not quoted): Vermont State Treasurer, retirement office: www.vermonttreasurer.gov
- Related official page (not quoted): IRS, Retirement topics: Disability: www.irs.gov
Read from the pension system handbooks linked above on October 22, 2026. General information, not tax advice. Your own facts decide the outcome, and a pension system or a qualified professional is the right place to confirm anything consequential.