Researching Your Eligibility for Federal Disability Retirement

by Sean Fife

Many people who work for the federal government have heard of, or know of people who, because of an injury or a mental issue, can no longer continue in their present job or position. In most of these cases an employer, or in this case the agency, will try to accommodate the employee by placing them in a different job, one that will allow them to continue to work and provide a necessary service to the agency.

However, there are times where the employee simply cannot continue working in any capacity. These are the most extreme of situations but they do occur and in these cases, these particular employees are entitled to federal disability retirement benefits.

In some cases an employee can receive what is known as a disability retirement annuity that will pay them a portion of their salary for the rest of their lives. This particular benefit only applies to those who are enrolled in the CSRS or FERS retirement plan. Therefore, it is important to know which, if any, retirement plan you are enrolled in before you try to obtain federal disability retirement benefits in this manner.

This disability retirement program also imposes no stipulations on the recipient. If your condition improves, or you begin working in the private sector to supplement the funds you are receiving, it won’t affect your eligibility to receive federal disability retirement benefits.

The only real stipulation is that the condition you suffer from - be it a physical or mental condition - must be expected to last for at least one year. They are not interested in paying out money for illnesses or problems that are just going to go away.

While these benefits may be well deserved, that does not always mean that they will be honored. There are many different reasons for a request for these federal disability retirement benefits to be denied, and in many of those cases the denial may be in error. To that end, it is important that you look to a professional to handle these situations.

It is best to have an expert on your side when bringing your case to the Office of Personal Management or Merit System Protection Board. Most non-federal attorneys won’t have the knowledge you need to manage your case. Find a lawyer who is familiar and well versed in federal law who can help secure the benefits you deserve.

There is a lot of red tape to work through and federal disability retirement plans come with a lot of rules and regulations. Get the help of an industry professional and know the rights you are entitled to. It is not worth taking shortcuts, and though it might not be easy it will be worth it to protect your future income.

About the Author:
Many federal workers may not know that they qualify for federal disability retirement if the unfortunate happens. If you become unable to do the functions of your job, contact an OPM disability attorney familiar with the rights you are entitled to.

Published by: Sean Fife on September 28th, 2009 | Filed under Legal



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