Under current law, the disability retirement benefits paid by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System to a person who is disabled are reduced if that person receives benefits from the United States Social Security Act. This bill removes that reduction for persons who are disabled and were receiving disability retirement benefits from the Maine Public Employees Retirement System as of December 31, 2024. The provisions of the bill retroactively apply to the date that person began receiving reduced disability retirement benefits and requires that the person be paid the withheld benefits, including any cost-of-living adjustments and interest. The bill also removes the requirement that such a person include in the application for disability retirement benefits proof that the person has made application for benefits under the United States Social Security Act.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1638, SP 646: 5.17906, 5.17925, 5.18525, 5.18530