A Step-by-Step Guide to Federal Disability Retirement Eligibility

Do you ever wake up dreading the day, stressed by what awaits at your job? Is something that was once so easy to do now a nearly impossible task, and you’re worried about making it to retirement?

You don’t have to carry that anxiety anymore: Federal Disability Retirement may be the solution.

It’s scary to feel unsure of your future, but we’ve seen Federal Disability Retirement total more than a million dollars in value to some federal employees. Isn’t that something at least worth exploring?

The application process and necessary requirements can be confusing, so let’s break it down. Here are three Federal Disability Retirement Eligibility requirements:

1. Be a FERS Career Employee

First and foremost, you must be a career employee under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you’re paying into FERS retirement, then you may be eligible for Federal Disability Retirement. It covers most federal employees and provides things like your pension, your TSP, and social security.

2. Have 18 Months of Creditable Service

Second, you need to have at least 18 months of creditable service under your belt. Creditable service refers to the time you’ve worked in the federal government as a FERS career employee. If you have been contributing to your retirement, then you’re gaining years of creditable service.

These months don’t have to be consecutive, but there need to be 18 total. If you have military service and intend to buy back those years, you must complete the buyback before your Federal Disability Retirement approval. However, military buyback does not contribute to the 18-month requirement for this benefit.

3. Have a Diagnosed Medical Condition

Third, you must have a diagnosed medical condition that prevents you from performing at least one of your essential job duties. Your job duties, which you can find in your official position description, will be considered by the OPM when they look at your medical condition.

Both mental and physical conditions can qualify, but it must be an officially diagnosed condition when you apply. Having a supportive medical professional on your side and willing to help can streamline this process. It can be nerve-wracking to talk to your medical provider or supervisor about pursuing this benefit, but we are here to guide you through this process and offer any support you may need.

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What to do Next

We don’t want you to wake up full of stress about your job anymore. If you’ve met each one of these disability retirement eligibility requirements, it’s time to take advantage of this benefit. Remember, your well-being matters, and taking steps to manage your condition is a sign of strength, not weakness.

We offer no commitment, free consultations where our experienced team will take the time to understand your specific case and help you determine if you qualify for Federal Disability Retirement. We’ll give you step-by-step instructions for moving forward, whether it be getting started with an application right away or reaching out to your doctor or supervisor. Our commitment is to guide you through the process from start to finish.

Give our office a call and let us take this burden off your shoulders. Schedule your free consultation today.