19-6-601. Disability retirement benefit. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), a vested member who becomes disabled must be granted a disability retirement benefit that is the actuarial equivalent of the service retirement benefit under 19-6-502 standing to the member’s credit at the time of the member’s disability retirement.

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(2)Except as provided in subsections (1) and (3), a vested or nonvested member who becomes disabled as a direct result of the member’s service in the line of duty:

(a)before completing 20 years of membership service must receive a disability retirement benefit equal to one-half the member’s highest average compensation; or

(b)after completing 20 years or more of membership service must receive a disability retirement benefit equal to 2.6% of the member’s highest average compensation for each year of service credit.

(3)Upon the death of a member receiving a disability retirement benefit under this section, the member’s surviving spouse or dependent child is eligible for benefits as provided in 19-6-505.