What is the Federal Disability Retirement Process?

by | Sep 22, 2016

Last Updated April 19, 2024
A federal employee learning about the Federal Disability Retirement Process

Process of applying for FDR

After determining your eligibility for Federal Disability Retirement comes the process of actually filing for disability benefits. There are many rules and regulations when applying and the process can be long and tedious.

Keep in mind the following when submitting your Federal Disability Retirement application :
  • You must apply for Social Security benefits.
  • Your application for disability retirement must be filed within one year of separation from your employing agency. If you do not apply within that one-year time frame, you lose the right to your Federal Disability Retirement benefits.
  • Along with submitting your required supporting medical documentation, you must also complete two forms. They include SF 3107 (Application for Immediate Retirement) and SF 3112 (Documentation in support of Disability Retirement). If you are under age 62, you must have documentation to prove that you have applied for Social Security.
  • Your employing agency will help you complete the required forms, provided you’ve been separated less than 31 days. They will also help you send your application to OPM. It’s still your responsibility to obtain all necessary information for the OPM to make a decision.
  • Your application must be sent directly to OPM after being separated for more than 31 days. You must submit your application within the one-year time frame. Your employing agency may no longer have your personnel records. They may not be able to recover them in the one-year time frame.

Proving that your medical condition is affecting your attendance, conduct, or performance may be the hardest qualification to show. To simplify things, involve your doctor in the process. For this reason, it is vital you know what the Federal Disability Retirement process is and when the deadlines are. The team at Harris Federal Law Firm has been representing Federal workers for over a decade. We can help walk you through the process. Fill out this inquiry form or give us a call at 877-226-2723 to find out how we can help you!

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