Illinois would set $40,000 minimums for some disability pensions

The bill would set a minimum line-of-duty disability pension of $40,000 per year for eligible police officers. This covers pensions under the Downstate Police Article, including pensions tied to disabilities or deaths before July 1, 2025. The minimum would apply beginning July 1, 2025.

The bill would set a $40,000 yearly minimum for certain firefighter disability pensions. This applies to disability pensions payable under Section 4-110; it does not state a new minimum for firefighter retirement or survivor pensions. The minimum would apply beginning July 1, 2025.

The bill would remove three eligibility tests for police officers seeking annual pension increases. This applies to disabled police officers receiving pensions under the Downstate Police Article, not their survivors. Other requirements remain: the officer must receive a line-of-duty disability pension, apply each year, and submit the required tax return copy. The annual increase stops if the officer earns income from gainful employment. The annual increase accrues on each anniversary of the initial pension payment while the pension remains payable and the required application is filed.