Back to this week
For Arizona State Retirement System members on long-term disability, the stricter "unable to do any suitable work" test now applies once a member has received benefits for a total of 24 months, instead of 24 months within a 5-year period.
Official title: ASRS; long-term disability
- September 12, 2026
What changes
BeforeA member who had received monthly long-term disability (LTD) benefits for 24 months within a 5-year period was considered disabled only if, based on objective medical evidence, they could not do any work they are reasonably qualified for by education, training or experience that pays at least their scheduled LTD benefit.
NowThat stricter test applies once a member has received monthly LTD benefits for a total of 24 months, with no 5-year window. Months of benefits spread over a longer time now count toward the 24.
Who it affects
- Arizona State Retirement System members who receive or apply for long-term disability benefits
- Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and its LTD claims administrator
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- Whether the change applies to members already receiving LTD benefits or only to new claims
- Whether benefit months received before the effective date count toward the 24-month total
- How many members are expected to be affected
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.