Federal Disability Retirement - What Conditions Qualify For Federal Disability Retirement?

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) provides disability retirement benefits to federal employees who are unable to carry out their job responsibilities due to a disability.

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To be eligible for FERS disability retirement, you must have a disability that prevents you from performing your current role, is expected to last for at least a year or result in death, and is caused by an injury or illness. Additionally, you must have completed a minimum of 5 years of creditable service.

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What Conditions Qualify For Federal Disability Retirement?

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Both physical and mental health conditions can qualify you for Federal Disability Retirement, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders, severe mental health issues, autoimmune diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancer, and significant sensory impairments. Below is a list of commonly observed medical cases that have met the criteria for Federal Disability Retirement based on our experience.

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Federal Disability Retirement is a special provision for federal employees who become unable to work during their tenure. It serves as a form of early retirement due to disability, which will eventually transition into a standard federal employee retirement at the age of 62. This benefit is available to federal employees who develop a disability during their employment, regardless of whether the condition was caused by workplace factors.

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However, obtaining approval for federal disability retirement can be a lengthy and complex process, requiring substantial evidence and a robust defence of your circumstances. A federal employment lawyer can assist you in navigating the qualification and approval process to secure the disability retirement benefits you deserve.

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It's recommended to consult with your agency's human resources office or a qualified professional for more information and to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

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1. Physical Conditions:

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• Arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis)
• Back injuries
• Bone fractures
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendinitis
• Muscle disorders

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2. Cardiovascular Conditions:

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• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Angina
• Arrhythmias
• Congenital heart defects

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3. Neurological Disorders:

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• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries

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4. Mental Health Conditions:

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• Severe depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Cognitive impairments
• Psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia)

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Is It Hard to Get Federal Disability Retirement?

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• Documents: You need a lot of medical papers showing how your condition affects your work. Getting these can take time.
• Application Complexity: Applying is not simple. You need to be very careful and include everything. Missing something can delay or deny your application.
• Benefits Overlap: If you're a FERS employee, your FDR links with Social Security disability benefits. You have to apply for both and show proof. This can make things more complicated.
• Denials and Appeals: Many first-time FDR applications get turned down. But, a lot of these are approved later on appeal, especially with a good lawyer.
• Limited Knowledge: Many federal workers don't fully know about FDR. HR departments might not give the right guidance either.
• Subjectivity: Some conditions, like mental health issues, are harder to prove. Showing they're bad enough for FDR can be tricky.
• Legal Issues: FDR also involves legal stuff like accommodation and reassignment. If your agency can move you to a different job at the same pay that fits your health, your FDR might not go through.

Overall, while FDR can be challenging, knowing these issues can help you navigate the process better.

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We are the Federal Pension Advisors, and we can help you in your disability retirement planning. We are serving those who serve! As a dedicated partner. We connect you with dedicated advisors who will carefully review your financial details, including numbers, documents, and key information. Our responsibility is to ensure that all relevant information is provided to your advisor, who will then create a bespoke plan tailored to your specific circumstances and goals.

Other services:

Investment Advice

Benefits Optimization

Wealth Management

Financial Planning

Life Insurance

403(b) plan

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How Does a Federal Employee Qualify for Disability Retirement?

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1. Disability accommodation has been provided but is insufficient

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A federal workplace is obligated to provide accommodations for employees who are facing a temporary or long-term disability. In some cases, the appropriate accommodations can enable you to continue working at full or near-full capacity. However, it is essential that these efforts have been unsuccessful in order to qualify for federal disability retirement.

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2. The disability is expected to last for 12 months or more

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To qualify for federal disability retirement, your disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. This means that the medical professionals assessing your condition must conclude that your disability is likely to be long-term or permanent.

If your disability is anticipated to improve significantly within 12 months, you may not be eligible for federal disability retirement. 

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3. The disability has hindered your ability to perform your job

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To qualify for federal disability retirement, your disability must have impaired your ability to perform your job duties, even with reasonable accommodations. This indicates that your disability has made it challenging or impossible for you to carry out your job tasks effectively.

If you are still able to perform your job duties with reasonable accommodations, you may not be eligible for federal disability retirement.

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4. A minimum of 18 months of federal service

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• You must have been an official federal civilian employee for at least 18 months or more.
• This means you must have been a permanent employee with a regular appointment, not a contractor, temporary staff member, or other peripheral team member.
• If you have recently become a full-fledged federal employee, you may need to wait until you have accrued 18+ months of time in Federal Civilian Service as defined by

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5. The disability developed or deteriorated during your employment

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To qualify for federal disability retirement, your disability must have developed or worsened during your federal employment. This means that the disability must have begun or deteriorated while you were employed by the federal government.

If your disability existed prior to your employment with the federal government, you may not be eligible for federal disability retirement.

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6. Necessary Documentation Supporting Inability to Work

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When applying for federal disability retirement, it's crucial to provide comprehensive documentation supporting your inability to work. This documentation should be from qualified medical professionals and should clearly demonstrate the extent of your disability and its impact on your ability to perform your job duties.

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How Much Can I Receive for FDR, Once Approved?

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The amount of disability retirement benefits you can receive under the Federal Disability Retirement (FDR) programme depends on several factors, including:

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• Your average final salary: This is generally the average of your highest three years of salary prior to retirement.
• Your years of service: The longer you have worked for the federal government, the greater your retirement benefits will be.
• Your age: If you retire early, your benefits may be reduced.
• Your disability: The severity of your disability may also influence the amount of benefits you receive.

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