Federal Employee Benefits Articles
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5 Roadblocks Federal Employees Face When Applying for Disability Retirement
There are many roadblocks that federal employees can encounter when applying for FERS Disability Retirement. We strive to ensure our clients have the strongest application possible to avoid any costly mistakes. A lack of a service deficiency, insufficient medical evidence, mistakes on forms, and not going through the reasonable accommodation process are common roadblocks we see.
How Long Does Federal Disability Retirement Last?
Federal Disability Retirement lasts until age 62, at which point this benefit will recalculate into your regular FERS retirement pension. Your regular FERS pension is calculated based on your creditable years of service and your high 3 average. The years you earned while on Federal Disability Retirement will count towards your retirement calculation.
Applying for Federal Disability Retirement from the TSA
Are you a federal employee with an injury or illness looking to retire from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)? Applying for Federal Disability Retirement through the TSA can be confusing, but we break down the specifics in this article. Regardless of where you are in the application process, it’s imperative to have supportive medical documents and legal representation.
How to Solve Your Retirement Problems
Wondering how to solve your retirement problems? Federal Disability Retirement is a long term benefit that secures your retirement! Federal Disability Retirement provides four main benefits; a secure monthly annuity, creditable years of service, health and life insurance, and the ability to work in the private sector. To qualify you must have a medical condition that is preventing you from performing your current job.
What is Continuation of Pay and How Could It Benefit Me?
Continuation of pay lasts for 45 calendar days and can provide you with income while you are waiting for your OWCP claim to be accepted. To qualify for continuation of pay you must have experienced a traumatic injury while on the job. If you are unable to return to full duty after your continuation of pay or OWCP runs out, you may qualify for Federal Disability Retirement.
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 and 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...
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