Disability retirement for military members pays monthly benefit for life if they become mentally or physically unable to perform job duties and their condition is total and likely to be permanent. Qualifying individuals can apply while employed or within 90 days of the last day of employment. If they are on active-duty military leave, they may apply at any time while on military leave.

The Virginia Sickness & Disability Program (VSDP) provides income replacement in the event of short-term or long-term disability, and individuals may use a balance of family and personal leave to extend active employment status to retain coverage. The amount of the leave granted depends on months of state service they have earned as of January 10 of the year it is granted.

Note that if the beneficiary is a person’s spouse, minor child, mother, or father, the beneficiary may choose either a lump sum in the amount of the person’s member contribution account plus interest or a monthly benefit amount. If the beneficiary is someone other than a spouse, minor child, mother, or father, a lump sum in the amount of the member contribution account plus interest will be paid. Eligibility generally continues while a person is on leave without pay for active-duty military service.