Federal Disability Retirement is a great benefit for injured and ill federal workers who are having trouble doing their job in at least one area. Maybe that looks like a nurse not being able to stand on his feet for longer than 30 minutes at a time because of his back condition. Or maybe like a law enforcement officer who has been disqualified from carrying her service weapon because of her mental health.
Whatever the case may be, this benefit offers a bridge to your normal retirement age at 62. On the benefit, you’ll receive:
- monthly paychecks
- the ability to get a job in the private sector
- continued health and life insurance
- continued years of creditable service until you hit 62
Understanding Federal Disability Retirement Eligibility
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at the difference between the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement Systems (FERS). Specifically how they relate to Federal Disability Retirement. This post will focus on the eligibility requirements of these two. Every federal worker falls into one of these retirement systems. While most of those workers fall under FERS, it’s important to discuss these differences.
CSRS
A federal worker who falls under CSRS must meet all the following conditions:
- Must have 5 years of creditable federal civilian service.
- Must have become disabled while employed in a CSRS position. The disability must have been caused by an injury or illness that renders you unable to perform the essential elements of your position.
- The disability is expected to last at least one year.
- The employing agency must certify they are unable to accommodate your disability in your present position. Further, they have considered you for any vacant position in the same agency, at the same grade/pay level and within the same commuting area for which you are qualified for reassignment.
- You must apply for federal disability retirement before separation from your employing agency or within one year of separation. OPM must receive your application within one year of the date of separation.
FERS
The eligibility requirements for an employee under FERS are like that of a CSRS employee, with few differences.
- A FERS employee only needs 18 months of creditable civilian service.
- Must have become disabled while in a FERS position. The disability must have been caused by an injury or illness that renders you unable to perform the essential elements of your position.
- The disability is expected to last at least one year.
- The employing agency must certify they are unable to accommodate your disability in your present position. Further, they have considered you for any vacant position in the same agency, at the same grade/pay level and within the same commuting area for which you are qualified for reassignment.
- You must apply for federal disability retirement before separating from your employing agency or within one year of that separation. OPM must receive your application within one year of the date of separation.
- You must apply for Social Security Disability. This is a requirement under FERS; however, you do not have to be approved. OPM will require you to prove you applied for Social Security.
If you think you may qualify for Federal Disability Retirement, please do not hesitate to call us, and set up a FREE consultation. Our experienced team here at Harris Federal Law Firm has helped both CSRS and FERS employees with their federal disability retirement cases for years. If you are looking for a federal disability retirement lawyer, please contact us at 877-226-2723 or fill out this INQUIRY FORM! The consultation is always FREE!
