HOUSE OF ATHLETES DISABILITY BENEFITS
3 Types of Disability Benefits
- Total and Permanent Disability Benefits (T & P)
- Line of Duty Disability Benefits (LOD)
- Neurocognitive Disability Benefits
Total and Permanent Disability Benefits
Often called “T & P” by former players and the NFLPA, Total and Permanent Benefits cover former players long-term. T&P is for players that have impairments which prevent them from being able to work and adjust to life after football. Impairments must be NFL-Related. This type of benefit provides the player with monthly payments for life. According to the NFLPA, “This benefit applies to any permanent physical or mental impairment that is so severe it keeps you from working”.
T & P Eligibility (as posted by NFLPA):
•Active Players
•Are a Vested Inactive Player under the Pension Plan who has not started your Pension; or
•Are a Vested Inactive Player under the Pension Plan who has not started your Pension early, and then qualified for Social Security Disability before age 55 (As of April 1, 2024 Players will no longer be eligible to qualify for T&P benefits based on an award of Social Security disability benefits) before age 55; and
During our Consultation, we will discuss Medical Records, Physicians, Doctors, and the Process.
Line-of-Duty Disability Benefits
The “LOD” Disability Benefit is designed to support players who have sustained SUBSTANTIAL DISABLING INJURIES as a result of NFL-Related activities. Players qualify for this benefit regardless of their ability to work. This type of benefit provides the player with monthly payments for no longer than 90 months.
LOD Eligibility (NFLPA):
•The disabling impairment must have resulted from NFL Games, NFL-football activities in association with an NFL Club. MEDICAL RECORDS are imperative.
•Player has FOUR OR FEWER CREDITED SEASONS, LOD application must be received within 48 months after you are no longer an active player OR •Player has FIVE OR MORE CREDITED SEASONS, your deadline is the same number of years after you are an Active Player that is equal to your number of Credited Seasons (example: 8 Credited Seasons = 8 years of eligibility)
Impairment Types:
•Must be expected to last for 12 months or longer, and meet the Plan’s standard for substantial disablement
• Orthopedic injuries and surgeries (Point System)
•Speech, sight, or hearing loss
•Vital body organ damage/removal
•Central nervous system issues other than neurocognitive or physchiatric impairment
During our Consultation, we will discuss Medical Records, Physicians, Doctors, and the Process.
Neurocognitive Disability Benefits
Neurocognitive Disability Benefits is meant to support players with mild to moderate brain impairments. This benefit is available for players who may be having trouble with day-to-day activities and your impairment does not need to keep you from earning an income through work. This type of benefit provides the player with monthly benefits until the end of disablement, but no longer than 180 months. Players are not eligible if substance abuse or a pshyciatric condition is the primary cause of your neurocognitive impairment.
Neurocognitive Benefits Eligibility (NFLPA) :
•No retirement benefits being received under Pension Plan
•No T&P benefits being received by player
•Sign of release form
•not a Pension Expansion Player
•Medical Records
•Neutral Physician & Disability Committee/Board must find that you meet standards
•Has not received Neurocognitive benefits
•All of the above requirements AND are a vested inactive player under the Pension Plan based on Credited Seasons alone OR •All of the above requirements AND are not a Vested Inactive Player, but only if you apply for Neurocognitive benefits within 84 months of the expiration of your last contract as a Player (for at least one game).
Get Help with your NFL DISABILITY Claim
Playing in the NFL takes a mental, physical, and lifelong toll on players. Those players who have suffered have the benefit of receiving financial relief from the NFLPA. If you have trouble, or don’t want to navigate the process of applying alone THE LAW OFFICE OF CB is here to help navigate you through the process and handle the strenuous documentation needed to apply. Contact out office by clicking the “Consultations” tab and filling out the form. CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE FOR NFL DISABILITY CLIENTS, SO NO NEED TO PAY A CONSULTATION FEE.