Massachusetts Accidental Disability Retirement Attorneys
Serving clients throughout Massachusetts, including Boston, Worcester, and surrounding communities
Accidental Disability
Retirement in Massachusetts
If you are a public employee who was injured on the job and can no longer perform your duties, you may be entitled to Accidental Disability Retirement (ADR). This benefit provides long-term financial support beyond workers’ compensation.
At Law Offices of Sullivan & Hartley, P.C., we help public employees across Massachusetts navigate the ADR process and secure the benefits they deserve.
What Is Accidental
Disability Retirement?
Accidental Disability Retirement is a pension-based benefit available to eligible public employees who suffer a work-related injury that prevents them from performing their job. Unlike workers’ compensation, ADR provides ongoing income, often for the remainder of your life, along with continued access to certain employment-related benefits.
Who Qualifies for ADR in Massachusetts?
To qualify, you must meet specific legal and medical requirements.
You are a public employee contributing to a Massachusetts retirement system
Your injury occurred while performing your job duties
Your condition permanently prevents you from performing the essential functions of your position
You meet applicable filing requirements and deadlines
In some cases, you are also receiving or have received workers’ compensation benefits for the same injury
What Benefits
Does ADR Provide?
ADR is intended to replace lost income and provide long-term financial security after a disabling work injury. The benefits extend beyond short-term support.
Because ADR benefits are coordinated with other forms of compensation, the total amount you receive depends on your individual circumstances and any related claims.
A significant percentage of your pre-injury income
Potential lifetime retirement benefits
Continued access to health insurance (with premiums deducted)
Ability to earn additional income within certain limits
Many injured public employees receive workers’ compensation before pursuing ADR. These benefits are coordinated rather than duplicated. Workers’ compensation payments may be credited against ADR benefits, with ADR covering the remaining amount up to your eligible benefit. Understanding how these systems interact is essential to maximizing your overall financial recovery.
How ADR Works With Workers’ Compensation
The ADR Application Process
Applying for ADR involves multiple steps and strict procedural requirements.
Missing documentation or errors in the process can delay or jeopardize your claim.
1
Filing an application with your retirement board
2
Submitting detailed medical evidence
Because the process is highly technical and evidence-driven, many public employees choose to work with an attorney to ensure their application is complete, properly supported, and effectively presented at every stage.
Undergoing evaluation by a medical panel
3
Attending a hearing before the retirement board
4
Frequently Asked Questions About Accidental Disability Retirement
Not necessarily. You do not have to be completely unable to work in any capacity. You must be unable to perform the essential duties of your specific public job due to your injury or medical condition.
The ADR process can take several months and sometimes longer depending on medical reviews, hearings, and documentation requirements. Delays often occur when medical records are incomplete or additional evaluations are needed.
Yes, but the benefits are coordinated. In most cases, workers’ compensation payments are offset against ADR benefits so you do not receive duplicate recovery for the same injury.
Yes, but the benefits are coordinated. In most cases, workers’ compensation payments are offset against ADR benefits so you do not receive duplicate recovery for the same injury.
While not required, many public employees choose to work with an attorney because the process involves strict deadlines, medical evaluations, and hearings before a retirement board where proper presentation of evidence is critical.
Contact Law Offices of Sullivan & Hartley, P.C.
Schedule a free consultation today with a Massachusetts ADR attorney.
Helping You Secure SSDI & SSI Benefits in Massachusetts
Workers’ compensation is a state-required insurance system that provides benefits to employees injured on the job. It is governed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 152 and applies to nearly all employers.
You do not need to prove your employer was at fault to qualify.