ELIGIBILITY
As of April 2008, the current window of 48 months was expanded to allow players a Line of Duty eligibility window equivalent to the number of credited seasons played. For example, a player who played for 10 years in the league will have up to 10 years to apply for Line of Duty benefits.
BENEFITS
In addition to the expanded window for applying for the Line of Duty benefits, other alternatives are being developed for partial disability benefits for players who do not qualify for T&P and who are no longer eligible for current Line of Duty benefits.
INACTIVE T&P BENEFIT DOUBLED
The inactive Total & Permanent disability benefit was increased from $20,000 per year to $40,000 per year (Effective April 1, 2008).
TRIPLED WIDOW AND SURVIVING CHILDREN BENEFITS
For a player who dies before his retirement benefits commence, the minimum death benefit paid to his widow and any surviving minor children has been tripled. Minimum monthly death benefits now range from $3,600 to $9,000.
SECURITY DISABILITY
Players denied for T&P disability benefits in the past, and later found to be disabled by Social Security standards are now eligible for reconsideration under the disability plan.
ADDITION OF A MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR INITIAL CLAIMS
The Bell/Rozelle Retirement Plan has retained a Medical Director to consult and assist with the Disability Initial Claims Committee and the Retirement Board. This should reduce the number of "deemed denials" and expedite the processing of appeals.
COORDINATED CARE
Teams of physicians are being established in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas (where there is the highest concentration of retired players) in order to better coordinate retired player medical care. These physician panels, consisting of experts in orthopedic and other pertinent fields, will create a one-stop shop for players requiring comprehensive services. Physician panels in other major metropolitan areas will be added in the future.
E-BALLOT APPEALS VOTING FOR RETIREMENT BOARD
Whenever possible, the Retirement Board now attempts to decide appeals via e-ballots, so that decisions do not necessarily have to wait until the next scheduled Retirement Board meeting.
REDUCED CONTINUATION REVIEWS ON T&P BENEFITS
Under most circumstances, players receiving T&P benefits now only have to go through a continuation review every five years (as opposed to the previous three).
RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS
For applications received on or after April 1, 2008, an award of a Total & Permanent Disability benefit under the Plan is paid retroactive to the first day of the month that is two months prior to the date of application.