Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System and State Police Retirement System - Line-of-Duty Catastrophic Injury Disability

Bigger officer pensions with new work limits

For qualifying accidents on or after July 1, 2027, Maryland provides higher disability pensions for covered law enforcement officers. Coverage includes Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System and State Police Retirement System members, including Deferred Retirement Option Program members. A medical board must certify that the officer cannot perform duty, the condition is likely permanent, and retirement is appropriate. The officer must also be permanently unable to do substantial paid work because of a medically confirmed physical impairment. That impairment must result from an on-duty accident at a definite time and place, without the officer’s willful negligence. The enhanced pension equals 100% of average final compensation, plus an annuity equal in value to accumulated member contributions. Working for a participating employer or doing substantial paid work ends eligibility for the enhanced amount and reduces payments. The standard allowance combines the contribution annuity with two-thirds of average final compensation, capped at average final compensation. At normal retirement age, the higher of that allowance or the normal service pension applies. Recipients must submit federal tax returns and required supporting information annually; reasonable extensions are available. After notice, missing the deadline of 45 days after the federal filing due date can suspend payments. Submitting missing information restores payments, with suspended amounts paid in a lump sum unless a reduction applies. Starting November 1, 2028, the retirement agency reports annually to the legislature on applications, approvals, recipients, reductions, and suspensions.