Collecting a disability pension

Times art TERESANNE COSSETTA

Collecting a lifetime disability pension is a multistep process. Our example uses a law-enforcement officer who is 42, has worked 15 years, earns about $40,000 and has hurt his back in a car accident.

1) Officer applies for workers' compensation, a temporary wage benefit for job-related injuries. He can collect two-thirds of his average weekly wage, up to $465 a week, tax-free for up to two years.

2) Officer goes to two doctors -- an orthopedist and another specialist-- who say he's no longer able to work. He submits application and his medical files to state Division of Retirement, if he's a state employee, or to local pension board.

3) State or local board grants disability pension.

Under state system, officer gets minimum 42 percent of his pay tax-free, perhaps more depending on years of service.
Total for first year: $18,000.
Under Clearwater's pension plan, One of Tampa Bay's most generous, officer gets 66 2 /3 percent of his pay tax-free.
Total for first year: $26,664.
If the same officer were to take a regular retirement in Clearwater, he would get $16,500, subject to taxes.