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OPM Retirement Backlog Rising Again: What You Can Do
OPM Retirement Backlog has increased in July after making steady progress to reduce the backlog earlier this year. This backlog has also increased processing times in the month of July, however, year-to-date processing times have remained consistent.
Is an IME recommended for Federal Disability Retirement?
An IME or independent medical evaluation is not recommended for Federal Disability Retirement as it doesn’t show established treatment. To be approved for Federal Disability Retirement, you must have a supportive medical professional and show a history of treating your condition. If you seek out an IME this may not be enough to support your Federal Disability Retirement claim.
Does the Government Penalize You for Retiring Early?
The government could penalize you for retiring early depending on which retirement option you choose. If you choose an MRA +10 retirement, your pension will be reduced for each year that you are under age 62. However, if you are looking to retire early due to a disability, Federal Disability Retirement is a much better option.
When Can I Retire from the Federal Government?
If you have been working in the federal government for a while you may be asking yourself, when can I retire? You’ve got a few options for an immediate retirement and an early retirement from the federal government. You’ll need to know your MRA or Minimum Retirement Age in order to decide which retirement option is best for you.
Working While Totally Disabled: What You Need to Know
Working while totally disabled is possible, but you will have to stick to a strict earning limit set by the Social Security Administration. This limit is called substantial gainful activity and it changes every year. If you are approved for SSDI, you may also qualify for Federal Disability Retirement, which can provide you with even more money in retirement.
CBP: Applying for Federal Disability Retirement
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees can benefit greatly from Federal Disability Retirement. CBP employees are at a greater risk for injury or illness due to the hazardous and stressful nature of the job. CBP employees can apply for Federal Disability Retirement, retire early, receive a monthly annuity, AND additional creditable years of service for their retirement pension.
Using Leave Can Support Your Disability Retirement
Utilizing your sick and annual leave can help support your federal disability retirement application by showing an attendance deficiency. If you have run out of sick and annual leave, you may be able to use FMLA, LWOP, reasonable accommodations, or disability benefits. Federal Disability Retirement is an option if you can no longer fully perform your job.
Locality Pay Could Change Your Retirement
Raises and salary increases are something that catches every employee's eye. Federal employees in particular have a lot of benefits available to them throughout their service. One of those benefits is Locality Pay, which provides an increase to your salary based on...
The Bruner Presumption: What Federal Employees Need to Know
The Bruner Presumption is enacted if you are separated from your federal agency for a medical inability to perform your job. If you are applying for Federal Disability Retirement, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will have to prove that you are NOT disabled. The Bruner Presumption switches the burden of proof from you to the OPM.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is Amid a Hiring Emergency
Navigating the FEMA Employee Exodus: Understanding the Impact, New Legal Protections, and Available Resources The federal emergency management agency (FEMA) is losing employees at an alarming rate and has been since the pandemic. FEMA strives to make sure our country...
What to Expect: OPM Processing Time for Disability Retirement Applications
If you are a federal employee who is considering retirement due to a disability, you will want to know how long the process takes. Unfortunately, there is no solid answer to this question. OPM processing time can vary greatly for a Federal Disability Retirement...
Maximizing Your Retirement with VA Disability Benefits
Many veterans are injured during their service and find it difficult or impossible to work with the injuries they sustained while on duty. Veterans risked their lives for our country and VA Disability is an option for them to get the compensation they deserve for...
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