Disability Retirement

Occasionally, an illness or injury may cause a person to become permanently unable to perform his or her job duties. If you are an active member of ACERA (Alameda County Employees Retirement Association) and your illness or injury is severe enough to force you to stop working and if it is permanent, you may apply for Disability Retirement. The Board of Retirement will determine whether you are capable of substantially performing the duties of your position. If the Board determines you are eligible, you will be granted a disability retirement benefit.

The information contained in this section is not intended to be all inclusive. The statements in this guide are general in nature and are written to be as understandable as possible while remaining accurate. The retirement law is very complex, and if conflict arises, any decision will be based on the law and not on the text from this website. No statement in the ACERA Disability Retirement Overview section is considered a legally binding interpretation, enlargement, or amendment of the provisions contained in the County Employees' Retirement Law of 1937 ('37 Act) or ACERA Bylaws.

For more information about Disability Retirement:

• Download the ACERA Disability Retirement Handbook

• Download the ACERA Disability Retirement Procedures

• View Sample Application for Disability Retirement 

• Visit the Disability Section of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Area Map:

• Eligibility and Disability Types
• Disability Retirement Process
• Additional Important Information
• Definitions
• Resources