From New York Post · · 3m
NYPD pension system wide open to disability fraud
A city investigation found the police department's $3.6 billion disability pension program lacks basic safeguards, allowing officers to collect up to $350,000 yearly without proper oversight.
In brief
A city investigation found the police department's $3.6 billion disability pension program lacks basic safeguards, allowing officers to collect up to $350,000 yearly without proper oversight. The NYPD's disability pension system has almost no re-examination process and evaluates all officers by the same standards…
NYPD pension system ripe for fraud
The city's Department of Investigation found the NYPD's $3.6 billion disability pension program is vulnerable to fraud, with officers collecting up to $350,000 annually with minimal oversight.
Medical review weaker than parking permits
The investigation found that the medical review process to get a city parking permit is more rigorous than the police pension system's evaluation of disability claims.
High-ranking officers get huge payouts
Former NYPD Chief John Chell received a $295,000 yearly disability pension after injuring his foot during a migrant operation on Randall's Island in 2024. Former Chief of Training Juanita Holmes got $350,000 annually.
One-time approval, no follow-up checks
Once approved for a disability pension, officers are almost never re-examined to verify they remain disabled. The system conducts no ongoing monitoring of recipients.
Same standards for all officers
The medical board evaluates all officers using identical disability standards, regardless of their actual job duties. Even desk-bound senior officers are assessed on whether they can apprehend dangerous suspects.
State police system is much stricter
New York State Police officers are evaluated for disability based on their actual job duties, using virtually identical legal frameworks. The NYPD system ignores this proven approach.
Jet ski cop exposed the problem
Former NYPD Officer Glenn Lieberman collected Social Security Disability payments while claiming depression from 9/11 work, then posted photos of himself jet skiing and flipping off the camera. He pleaded guilty to grand larceny.
Quarter of all pension money goes to disability
About $935 million of the $3.59 billion in annual NYPD pension payments in fiscal year 2025 went to officers receiving accident disability benefits. Over $100 million went to officers too young for standard retirement.
Perception that rank matters most
The report found a widespread perception that senior leaders like John Chell and former Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart obtained disability benefits more easily than rank-and-file officers, despite their managerial roles.
DOI's five recommendations rejected
The Department of Investigation recommended the pension fund adopt job-duty-based evaluations, require periodic re-examinations, and accept public fraud tips. The fund rejected the first three recommendations.
NYPD and city officials silent
The NYPD, Police Pension Fund, and Mayor's office all declined to comment on the investigation. The Police Benevolent Association, which controls four of twelve board seats, also refused to respond.
The main idea
The NYPD's disability pension system has almost no re-examination process and evaluates all officers by the same standards regardless of their actual job duties, creating easy opportunities for fraud.
