So, you’ve finally submitted your application for Disability Retirement. After months of gathering supportive doctor’s notes, records, and forms – now you wait. While you’re waiting, here’s what you can expect to be happening behind the scenes as the OPM processes your application.
1. OPM Acknowledgement Letter and Civil Service Account Number
The first thing that happens when OPM receives your Federal Disability Retirement claim is that they’ll send you a letter with information about your claim, including your Civil Service Annuity (CSA) number. Getting your CSA number means that the OPM is now processing your case.
Before you get it, questions should go to your agency. Afterward, send them to the OPM. Keep your CSA number handy if you’re reaching out to the OPM.
2. In Review at OPM
After you have your CSA number, the OPM gets to work. Your case will be assigned to a Legal Administrative Specialist (LAS). They’ll review your case, request any additional information they need from you or your agency, and then make a decision about your case. You can find all the qualification requirements for Disability Retirement on our YouTube channel.
3. a) Approval
The next step could be approval. Both you and your agency will be notified if your application is approved. If you’re still working, this is when your agency will separate you. They’ll send OPM your final retirement records and the actual date of separation.
After this, your file goes to the Payment Processing Department where your annuity will be calculated, and any deductions for insurance and/or survivor benefits and Social Security are made.
They may also make deductions for your insurance and spousal annuity, if necessary. Interim payments are designed to help financially until the OPM computes the exact amount of your annuity.
Your benefits will start accruing on the first day after your pay as an employee has stopped, and your disability and service requirements have been met.
But, right now, we’re seeing a lot of denials at the initial level. Here’s what to expect if you’re denied.
3. b) Denial
If your next step is denial, both you and your employing agency will be notified, and OPM will provide you with information about your right to request further consideration. Remember that you do have appeal rights.
If you choose to appeal the first denial (called a Reconsideration), you will have 30 days from the date of the denial letter for OPM to receive your application. Your application will be sent to a different LAS than the one who worked on your case in the initial stage, and you’ll have the opportunity to submit supplemental evidence to strengthen your claim.
If you’re denied again, you’ll have one final chance of getting your claim approved. Again, you will have 30 days to appeal, but this time, your 30 days begins when you receive the denial letter. You will have to appeal to the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB). This is a more formal process, and the OPM will assign an Administrative Judge to oversee the case. A house attorney will also be assigned to defend the denial decision.
We’ve helped 14,000+ federal workers through every step of this process. If you or someone you know is facing the reality of Federal Disability Retirement, give us a call at 859-226-2723 or fill out this inquiry form for a completely free consultation to talk more about what’s best for your situation.
