Who Can Get Disability Retirement Benefits?

Disability retirement benefits are available to persons who work in the federal government as part of their employment benefit package.  To be eligible for disability retirement benefits the worker must meet the following criteria:

• You must have completed at least 18 months of Federal civilian service which is creditable under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
• You must, while employed in a position subject to the retirement system, have become disabled, because of disease or injury, for useful and efficient service in your current position.
• The disability must be expected to last at least one year.
• Your agency must certify that it is unable to accommodate your disabling medical condition in your present position and that 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, or your guardian or other interested person, must apply before your separation from service or within one year thereafter.

You must apply for social security disability benefits. Application for disability retirement under FERS requires an application for social security benefits. If the application for social security disability benefits is withdrawn for any reason, OPM will dismiss the FERS disability retirement application upon notification by the Social Security Administration.

Social Security Disability and Retirement

Reaching retirement age when you receive Social Security disability benefits does not change much for the disabled person.  Automatically when you reach retirement age, Social Security will begin call your benefit Social Security Retirement. There will be no limit on the amount of income you can earn while receiving retirement benefits.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Proving disability whether it is under the system for federal employees or making a claim under Social Security disability can be complicated because of the medical issues involved in such claims. Find a lawyer who is experienced in handling federal employee claims and Social Security disability issues. This person or persons can guide you through each system and make getting the benefits you need easier.  Social Security helps you pay for counsel by withholding a portion of any pass due benefits to pay for counsel fees.