Former State Psychiatric Worker Describes Years-Long Wait for Decision on NYS Retirement Disability
- posted: Nov. 30, 2025
Qualifying employees within the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) with a medical condition that permanently prevents them from doing their job are entitled to receive retirement disability benefits. Generally, these payments go to individuals with at least 10 years of creditable service in government employment and those whose disability is linked their job, regardless how long they worked at an NYSLRS position. Unfortunately, delays in decision-making can turn that safety net into a far-off promise when the claimant is struggling to make ends meet.
Tricia Bonacker of Colonie worked 30 years for the state, including as executive director of the Capital District Psychiatric Center. In June 2023, she applied for retirement disability as a result of multiple autoimmune conditions that she says made it impossible to continue her employment. Despite assurances that her application would be resolved in approximately one year, she still had not received any decision on the second anniversary of her claim. When interviewed about the situation, Bonacker said that she pays more than $1,000 per month for health insurance while her case remains in limbo.
After she originally went on medical leave as a result of her condition, Bonacker was terminated in January 2025. She alleges that the state has required two separate independent medical examinations, but still has not offered any explanation as to the delay in her retirement disability claim.
There are many possible reasons why the review process can be long and frustrating for individuals seeking NYSLRS benefits. Due to administrative backlogs, it is estimated that even relatively straightforward cases can last between 12 and 18 months. When questions exist about the severity or cause of a particular condition, multiple medical reviews and requests for supplemental documentation could lengthen the timeframe. It is possible that the nature of Bonacker’s autoimmune illness has complicated her claim because the physical symptoms are not always apparent.
Nothing can guarantee a quick retirement disability resolution, but hiring a lawyer with decades of experience dealing with NYSLRS issues is best way to avoid unnecessary problems. A skilled attorney can make sure that supporting documents are complete and submitted in a timely, accurate manner. Your lawyer can also represent you in communications with the agency and press to keep the process moving.
Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. has a long track record successfully advocating for public employees statewide in retirement disability cases and other NYSLRS matters. Please call 845-640-3846 or contact me online for a free consultation where we can discuss your circumstances and how to present the strongest possible claim. My office is located in Highland.
Former State Psychiatric Worker Describes Years-Long Wait for Decision on NYS Retirement Disability
- posted: Nov. 30, 2025
Qualifying employees within the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) with a medical condition that permanently prevents them from doing their job are entitled to receive retirement disability benefits. Generally, these payments go to individuals with at least 10 years of creditable service in government employment and those whose disability is linked their job, regardless how long they worked at an NYSLRS position. Unfortunately, delays in decision-making can turn that safety net into a far-off promise when the claimant is struggling to make ends meet.
Tricia Bonacker of Colonie worked 30 years for the state, including as executive director of the Capital District Psychiatric Center. In June 2023, she applied for retirement disability as a result of multiple autoimmune conditions that she says made it impossible to continue her employment. Despite assurances that her application would be resolved in approximately one year, she still had not received any decision on the second anniversary of her claim. When interviewed about the situation, Bonacker said that she pays more than $1,000 per month for health insurance while her case remains in limbo.
After she originally went on medical leave as a result of her condition, Bonacker was terminated in January 2025. She alleges that the state has required two separate independent medical examinations, but still has not offered any explanation as to the delay in her retirement disability claim.
There are many possible reasons why the review process can be long and frustrating for individuals seeking NYSLRS benefits. Due to administrative backlogs, it is estimated that even relatively straightforward cases can last between 12 and 18 months. When questions exist about the severity or cause of a particular condition, multiple medical reviews and requests for supplemental documentation could lengthen the timeframe. It is possible that the nature of Bonacker’s autoimmune illness has complicated her claim because the physical symptoms are not always apparent.
Nothing can guarantee a quick retirement disability resolution, but hiring a lawyer with decades of experience dealing with NYSLRS issues is best way to avoid unnecessary problems. A skilled attorney can make sure that supporting documents are complete and submitted in a timely, accurate manner. Your lawyer can also represent you in communications with the agency and press to keep the process moving.
Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. has a long track record successfully advocating for public employees statewide in retirement disability cases and other NYSLRS matters. Please call 845-640-3846 or contact me online for a free consultation where we can discuss your circumstances and how to present the strongest possible claim. My office is located in Highland.
