BONNIE MURPHY VS. BOARD OF TRUSTEES (PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)

**Murphy vs. Board of Trustees Case Summary** This case involved Bonnie Murphy, a former public employee who quit her job and later applied for disability retirement benefits from the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Murphy left her position voluntarily, but after she resigned, she developed a disability. She then asked PERS to approve her for ordinary disability retirement benefits based on this condition. The Board of Trustees denied Murphy's request for disability benefits. Murphy challenged this decision in court, but both the lower court and the appeals court sided with the retirement system. The appeals court ruled that public employees who voluntarily quit their jobs before becoming disabled cannot receive disability retirement benefits for conditions that develop after they leave work. **What This Means for Workers:** This ruling is important for public employees to understand. If you're considering leaving your government job and you have any health concerns that might worsen, you should carefully consider the timing. Once you voluntarily resign, you cannot go back and claim disability benefits if health problems develop later. Public employees should consult with their retirement system before making decisions about resignation if they have any ongoing health issues that could potentially become disabling.