Thank you for your hard work. I would like to thank the Harris Federal Law Firm for all of their support and all of the wonderful people who helped me win my disability retirement.
All Posts By
Harris Federal Law Firm
Big Beautiful Bill: Good News For Federal Workers
The One Big Beautiful Bill, President Trump’s reconciliation bill, has been in the works for the last few months and now it’s law. The bill covers lots of ground but as it’s worked its way through the House and Senate, different versions have listed proposals which could seriously impact federal workers and their retirement.
The 3 Service Deficiencies – Explained
You probably know that if you’re applying for Federal Disability Retirement, you need to be able to show that you have a service deficiency because of your medical condition. But what exactly is a service deficiency? You have a valid service deficiency if your performance, attendance, or conduct are suffering due to your medical condition. It’s up to your supervisor to document these service deficiencies in your 3112B form.
Removed During the Disability Retirement Application? 3 Reasons Not to Worry.
Sometimes federal employees are removed from their position while they’re applying for Disability Retirement. This could be because of an inability for them to do their job but it could also be related to a RIF or layoff. If you find yourself in this position, it may feel like a major setback, but there are 3 reasons why it could be better than you think.
Can I get Disability Retirement with a mental health condition? Essential answers inside.
Most people know that Federal Disability Retirement is for folks with medical conditions that stop them from working, but you might wonder if it applies to people with mental health conditions.
We’ve seen plenty of federal workers get approved for Disability Retirement for a mental health condition, but there are some important ways that your application might look different.
Don’t Panic – Navigating the New Paperless Federal Retirement System
The OPM has announced that as of June 2, 2025, all federal applications for retirement will be paperless. This plan has been in the works for years, aiming to help streamline the process of applying for retirement. This plan is intended to make the application process and wait time more efficient for federal workers, but for many people, this may actually be a barrier.
Real Client Case Study: One Veteran’s Journey from Mental Health Struggles to Freedom and Relief
After serving in the US Military for 20 years, William decided to continue serving our country as a federal worker training new soldiers. Unfortunately, the scars left from his service in the military followed him and his mental health eventually got to the point where he couldn’t keep going. Here’s the true story of one of Harris Federal’s former clients – how he stepped away from his career so he could prioritize his health without compromising his future.
State Department Slashing Workforce with RIFs: 2 Ways Federal Workers Can Respond
The State Department will use a Reduction in Force (RIF) to cut 15% of its workforce starting July 1. Workers affected will have a short time between notice and separation. Employees will have between 60-90 days between notice and separation. Contract Employees will be terminated within 60 days. Foreign Service Officers will be separated or receive reassignment. Right now, these reductions only affect domestic employees and offices, but this is subject to change.
Reasonable Accommodation FAQs: A Guide for Federal Employees
If you’re struggling to do your federal job because of a medical condition, reasonable accommodation may help you stay in your position a little longer – but it’s also a key step if you’re considering a way out of federal service through an option like Disability Retirement. Before you can apply for Disability Retirement, your agency has to explore whether adjustments can help you keep working. Here’s what you need to know about your options – and your rights.
Make Sense of the 3112D, AKA the HR Form, With these Tips
The application for Federal Disability Retirement is full of confusing terminology, complex paperwork, and specific standards, like the SF 3112D – also called the Agency Certification of Reassignment and Accommodation Efforts. This is the HR form your agency will fill out, and it can be a challenge to complete. The 3112D has to be signed before your application can be completed, but sometimes it’s difficult to get support from your agency.
Pay Freezes May Be Next for Federal Employees: Here’s What You Can Do
After months of various incentives and plans to trim up the federal workforce, President Trump is now proposing a freeze in federal employee pay. That means that employees won’t get their raise in 2026. With unpredictable job security because of RIFs and layoffs, and the potential threat of agency closures, you might be thinking about how you can leave work before your job is eliminated. And now that your pay likely won’t increase in the new year, this might be an even better time to consider your options.
How to Navigate Your 3112C Physician’s Statement with Confidence
One of the most important parts of your application for Federal Disability Retirement is your medical evidence, including the 3112C or Physician’s Statement Response Form. The 3112C is written or filled out by your healthcare provider and gives proof that you’ve been treating your condition. For the OPM to determine you can’t work because of an illness or injury, you need to have strong medical evidence.
Federal Employee Resources
Our ever growing library of federal employee resources give you the knowledge you need to make smart choices about your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the answers you need on-demand, from a team of federal employee benefits professionals.
View FAQ
Federal Benefit Webinars
Twice per month we host webinars to help federal employees better understand their benefits and answer their questions LIVE.
See Webinar Schedule
Benefit Guides
From guides to detailed charts, these educational resources will help clarify confusing federal employee benefits topics.
See our resources