Actually, what usually happens is the guys go out on Long Term Disability for the last few years before retirement (heart problems, no First Class med for a variety of reasons). For the first 18 months they are basically on full pay (Short Term disability and DPMA). After that, they are at 50% pay but the benefit of only paying normal premiums and even being able to save in the 401K (no match obviously) means that they are essentially retired without showing up as "Retired" until they reach 65. I have been told (by people in the Disability office) that most people on long term disability do not return to work.