Federal disability retirement is different from other types of retirement under FERS in that it isn’t based on age and years of creditable service. Regular, early, and deferred retirements all require you to be of a certain age with a certain number of years of creditable service. While federal disability retirement does require a small amount of creditable service, there is no age requirement.
So, what are the other qualifications for federal disability retirement under FERS?
You must meet ALL the following conditions:
- Have at least 18 months of creditable civilian service.
- While employed in your position, you must have become disabled, due to disease or injury, for useful and efficient service.
- The disability is expected to last at least one year.
- Your employing agency must certify it is unable to accommodate you in your current position AND it had 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 before separation from service, or within a year. OPM or your employing agency must receive your application within one year of separation.
- You must apply for Social Security benefits. This is a requirement for federal disability retirement under FERS however, an approval is not required. If you withdraw your application for Social Security benefits for any reason, OPM will dismiss your FERS disability retirement application once the Social Security Administration has notified them.
Keep in mind that you must meet ALL the above to be eligible for federal disability retirement. If you are unsure if you meet one of these criteria, give us a call at 877-226-2723. We have been helping federal workers with their disability retirement claims for over a decade. Our consultation is always FREE. You can also fill out this INQUIRY form.
