Understanding the Qualifications for Federal Disability Retirement
There are a lot of people working in the federal government who, due to a physical injury or mental issue, can no longer work in their current positions. When this happens, the employer or the agency will usually try to help out the employee and place them in a different job where they can still be effective and still receive an income.
But there are situations when an employee's condition prohibits them from working in any capacity. Cases like these are rare and extreme but they do happen. In these instances, a federal employee would be eligible for special disability retirement benefits put in place specifically for federal employees.
A federal employee may be eligible to receive what is known as a disability retirement annuity which pays them a portion of their salary for the rest of their lives. It is important to note, however, that this only applies to employees that were enrolled in the CSRS or FERS retirement plans. Be sure you understand what retirement program you are a part of before you try to arrange for federal disability retirement benefits.
Another component of this disability benefit is that if you receive it, there are no stipulations. If your condition were to improve, you can begin working in any private sector job to supplement your income without the fear that your employment status will affect your 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.
It can be hard to keep track of all the rules and regulations that surround federal disability retirement plans. You have to know your rights and, if possible, you should get the help of an industry professional. It may not be easy, but you don't want to take shortcuts when it comes to protecting your future income.
But there are situations when an employee's condition prohibits them from working in any capacity. Cases like these are rare and extreme but they do happen. In these instances, a federal employee would be eligible for special disability retirement benefits put in place specifically for federal employees.
A federal employee may be eligible to receive what is known as a disability retirement annuity which pays them a portion of their salary for the rest of their lives. It is important to note, however, that this only applies to employees that were enrolled in the CSRS or FERS retirement plans. Be sure you understand what retirement program you are a part of before you try to arrange for federal disability retirement benefits.
Another component of this disability benefit is that if you receive it, there are no stipulations. If your condition were to improve, you can begin working in any private sector job to supplement your income without the fear that your employment status will affect your 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.
It can be hard to keep track of all the rules and regulations that surround federal disability retirement plans. You have to know your rights and, if possible, you should get the help of an industry professional. It may not be easy, but you don't want to take shortcuts when it comes to protecting your future income.
About the Author:
A lot of 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.