May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of emotional well-being and to empower and advocate for those living with mental health conditions. At our firm, we recognize that when people think of disability benefit claims, mental health conditions are often overlooked. Yet these conditions can be every bit as disabling as physical injuries — and in the case of law enforcement officers, the mental toll of the profession can be particularly devastating.
Police officers experience mental health struggles at a significantly higher rate than the general population. The demands of the job, repeated exposure to trauma, and high-stakes responsibilities contribute to alarming rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other serious conditions. Tragically, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among police officers nationwide.
Against this backdrop, it’s critical to remember that mental health conditions can constitute a valid basis for disability benefit claims — and there are programs in place here in Wisconsin designed to offer financial support to officers whose mental health is impacting their ability to work. Unfortunately, these benefits often go under-utilized within law enforcement circles, largely due to persistent stigma surrounding mental illness. By helping officers understand their disability benefit options, we hope to ease the additional stress, uncertainty, and grief that a disabling condition can create, allowing them to focus on healing and reclaiming their well-being.
Benefit Programs Available to Wisconsin Police Officers
If you are a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin struggling with a mental health condition that is affecting your ability to work, there may be financial benefits available to help you focus on treatment and recovery. These include:
1. Employer-Provided Short Term Disability Benefits
Many police departments and public employers offer group Short Term Disability (STD) insurance coverage. This benefit provides financial support if an officer’s mental health symptoms temporarily prevent them from performing their job duties.
Key details:
- Benefits are usually payable for a short-term period (typically 90-180 days).
- Benefits are paid weekly.
- Usually cover 60-90% of pre-disability earnings.
- Allows officers to step away from work to prioritize mental health without immediate financial hardship.
2. Employer-Provided Long Term Disability Benefits
If an officer’s condition extends beyond the STD coverage period, Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits may become available.
Key details:
- Benefits begin after STD benefits are exhausted.
- Paid on a monthly basis.
- Typically cover 60-66.67% of pre-disability earnings. · Can continue for several years, often until the officer reaches normal retirement age.
3. Disability Retirement Benefits through WRS/ETF
For officers whose mental health conditions are severe enough to prevent them from returning to any regular full-time work, Disability Retirement benefits through the Wisconsin Retirement System’s Department of Employee Trust Funds (WRS/ETF) may be an option. These benefits are sometimes referred to as 40.63 benefits (a nod to their governing statute, Wis. Stat. § 40.63) or “disability annuities.”
Key details:
- Available without the penalties typically associated with early retirement.
- Officers who later recover can return to work and still collect their unreduced retirement benefits at normal retirement age.
- A valuable resource for those facing significant, long-term mental health challenges.
4. Duty Disability Benefits through WRS/ETF
The Duty Disability program provides income replacement for officers injured in the line of duty. While it is commonly associated with physical injuries, it may cover mental health impairments that develop secondary to a physical injury incurred on the job. Additionally, in rare in rare cases it can also cover mental health conditions sustained as a direct result of duty-related experiences.
Key details:
- Income replacement may be tax-free in certain situations.
- Available for officers who can no longer safely or effectively perform their job due to qualifying health conditions related to duty.
- See here for more information.
Mental Health Disability Claims: Overcoming the Stigma
Despite these available resources, many officers do not pursue disability benefits for mental health conditions. The lingering stigma around mental illness in law enforcement often leaves officers feeling isolated and reluctant to seek help — a dangerous combination that can delay needed treatment and support.
At our firm, we are committed to helping officers navigate these complex claims with dignity and discretion. You’ve dedicated your career to protecting others; now it’s time to make sure you have the support you need to protect your own well-being.
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you know is a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin facing mental health challenges, you are not alone — and you do not have to navigate this process alone. Our experienced disability benefits attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, explore your options, and advocate for the benefits you have earned.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.