What are the Eligibility Requirements of Federal Disability Retirement?

by | Jun 19, 2017

Last Updated November 5, 2025
A federal worker looking at a computer

Federal Disability Retirement

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

Eligibility Requirements for Federal Disability Retirement

Read below to discover what you need to qualify for the benefit, or watch our YouTube video that breaks down all the details.

  • You must have completed at least 18 months of federal civilian service creditable under FERS.
  • While employed you must have become disabled, due to disease or injury, and that disease or injury must be keeping you from performing useful and efficient service in your current position.
  • Your disability is expected to last at least one year.
  • Your agency must certify it is unable to accommodate your disabling condition in your present position and it has considered you for any vacant position in the same agency at the same grade or pay level, within the same commuting area for which you are qualified for reassignment.
  • You must apply for Federal Disability Retirement before separation or within one year thereafter. OPM or your former employing agency must receive your application within one year of the date of separation.
  • You must also apply for Social Security benefits. This is a requirement for your FERS disability retirement application. If your Social Security application is withdrawn for any reason, OPM will dismiss your FERS disability retirement application.

If you think you may qualify for Federal Disability Retirement, please do not hesitate to call us, and set up a FREE consultation. We have more than a decade of experience and we want to help you in any way we can.

Message us & find out if you qualify today!

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