Action required for disability recipients
Return “E&E” statement to avoid interruption of benefits
By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
Feb. 12, 2019 – When you receive an OPERS disability benefit, one requirement is to report to us any employment you had during the previous year, as well as total earnings, employer information and job descriptions.
Thus, all OPERS disability benefit recipients need to annually complete an Employment and Earnings Statement. Even if you didn’t work in 2018, you must complete and submit the E&E statement.
Taking this action will ensure you continue to receive your disability benefit payments and HRA deposits (if applicable) and avoid any disruption to health care coverage.
OPERS will mail the statements beginning today, Feb. 12. If you don’t return the completed statement, we’ll send you a second notice on March 12.
In 2019, there will be a change to the E&E statement process. The submission requirement will be waived for disability recipients meeting one of the following criteria:
- A disability recipient who is under legal guardianship
- A disability recipient who resides in a skilled nursing facility
- A disability recipient who is age 70 and older as of Dec. 31, 2017
Returning this statement for all others is critical. If we don’t receive your completed statement by April 15, your May disability benefit payment and subsequent payments will be suspended until we receive the form. In addition, as of May 1, your health care coverage (including coverage for any enrolled dependents) will be terminated, and/or your monthly Health Reimbursement Arrangement deposit will be discontinued.
You need to report only income from employment. Social Security income, spousal support, child support and volunteer service aren’t required to be reported on the statement.
If you need help completing the statement, OPERS will offer workshops where you can get hands-on assistance. They will be held at the OPERS offices in Columbus at 11 a.m. on the following dates: March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, and April 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11.
Registration is required for the workshops. Please contact us at 800-222-7377.
Michael Pramik
Michael Pramik is communication strategist for the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and editor of the PERSpective blog. As an experienced business journalist, he clarifies complex pension policies and helps members make smart choices to secure their retirement.
I am 70 years old and on disability retirement. Why do I still have to send in this for. I do not work and have not worked.
Kathleen Reed
Beginning this year, the submission requirement for the E&E statement is waived for disability recipients meeting one of three criteria, including someone who is age 70 and older as of Dec. 31, 2017. For more information go to the Disability section on the OPERS website: https://www.opers.org/disability/index.shtml.
Julie, OPERS
Where is the dang form at ?
The form includes a bar code to make processing easier. Personalized forms were mailed yesterday, so you should receive your form soon.
Julie, OPERS
I am 77 yrs. old. I worked for OSUMC for 52 years. I retired at age 72. I have been very grateful for the pension and medical coverage provided by OPERS. I am happy with all you have been able to do for me.
Please keep up the good work!!
Thank you Ms. Holbein!
I am 64 years old and expect to go on the OPERS Medicare plan next year, although I don’t yet know everything I need to about it. I’m disabled but NOT on disability. Is this a benefit I can receive in addition to my monthly retirement? or in place of it?
OPERS law does not permit someone to receive both an Age and Service (pension) and Disability Benefit at the same time. Both benefits have their specific eligibility factors in qualifying. For more information about OPERS’ disability program, go to https://www.opers.org/disability/.
Julie, OPERS
63-1/2 years old, don’t work, haven’t worked, can’t work and can’t find the form
Janet,
Even if you didn’t work in 2019, you must complete and submit the E&E statement. You should receive your personalized form in the mail soon.
Julie, OPERS
I need an Employment and Earnings Statement mailed or e-mailed ASAP.
David,
If you have misplaced the Employment and Earning Statement, you can log in to your OPERS online account and print a copy. Statements can’t be submitted electronically, but you can print, complete and mail the form to OPERS.