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A 4004

Provides for filing extension and alternate medical documentation in PFRS, SPRS, or PERS for accidental disability retirement in certain circumstances; extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees.*

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Azzariti and 13 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill extends filing deadlines and accepts alternative medical evidence for public employee accidental disability claims and survivor benefits.

Reported out of Assembly Committee with Amendments and Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4004

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4004 allows public employees in New Jersey's pension systems (PFRS, SPRS, PERS) to file for accidental disability retirement benefits beyond normal filing deadlines and with alternative medical documentation when standard records are unavailable. It also extends accidental death benefits to survivors of certain SPRS retirees who previously may have been ineligible.

Why is this important

This bill affects how public employees—primarily police, fire, and state workers—can access disability and survivor benefits after work-related injuries or deaths. By extending filing deadlines and accepting alternative documentation, it potentially helps individuals who faced barriers to proving their claims due to lost records, bureaucratic delays, or documentation gaps.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding eligibility and extending filing windows may increase pension system payouts, raising concerns about long-term funding and taxpayer burden for already-stressed public pension funds
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's reference to "certain circumstances" and "certain SPRS retirees" lacks specificity about which cases qualify, potentially creating inconsistent application or future disputes
  • Fraud prevention: Relaxed documentation requirements and extended timelines could increase vulnerability to fraudulent claims, requiring stronger verification mechanisms that aren't detailed in the bill summary

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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