OAR 459-076-0030: Hearings on Denial or Discontinuance of Disability Benefit Allowances

(1) A final denial of an application for disability benefits, or any decision discontinuing a previously granted disability benefit allowance may be reviewed in a contested case hearing. (2) A contested case hearing may be requested by a member by filing with the Board a written request as provided for in OAR 459-001-0035. (3) For contested case hearing requests submitted by a member employed as a police officer or firefighter as defined in ORS 238A.005 to dispute the final denial of a disability benefit application under ORS 238A.235: (a) PERS must refer the case for contested case hearing no later than 180 days after PERS receives the member’s request for a hearing pursuant to OAR 459-005-0220, or, no later than 360 days after the member requests the hearing if the member requests an extension. (b) If a case is not referred for a hearing within the required timeline, the member prevails in disputing the final denial of the member’s application under ORS 238A.235. (c) Contested case hearing extension requests must be submitted to PERS in writing. (d) A member who is eligible for OPSRP disability benefits under ORS 238A.235 due to operation of the default contested case deadlines remains subject to routine periodic reviews as provided for in OAR 459-076-0050. (4) The contested case hearing shall be heard before an administrative law judge designated by the Office of Administrative Hearings and conducted in accordance with the Attorney General’s Model Rules of Procedure as adopted by OAR 459-001-0005. The member may represent themself or be represented by legal counsel. An Assistant Attorney General will appear at the hearing to assist PERS staff in presenting PERS’ position, and to assist in the development of a complete hearing record. (5) The Board may deliberate and decide on final orders during regularly scheduled board meetings. The Board may instead deliberate and decide at any other time and place allowed by law, as determined on a case-by-case basis, such as electronically or via a telephone conference. (6) In accordance with OAR 459-001-0040, before initiating any judicial review of a final order, an applicant may file with the Board a petition for reconsideration. (7) Any disputed claim concerning a disability benefit allowance or discontinuance of such allowance may be voluntarily settled on a lump-sum basis subject to recommendation of the assigned Assistant Attorney General and final approval of the Board. Settlements approved by the Board shall be paid upon receipt of a “Release and Covenant Not to Sue” signed by the applicant and the applicant’s attorney, if any.