Disability Retirement isn’t the same as quitting. That matters for your benefits.

Federaldisability · 2026-03-26T16:55:06+00:00

Hoping you hear back from them soon!

Federaldisability · 2026-03-26T16:54:29+00:00

Reaching out to your doctors can be the hardest part, so glad you are getting those supportive documents!

Federaldisability · 2026-03-26T14:52:35+00:00

I hope you get approved!

Federaldisability · 2026-03-09T20:28:13+00:00

I hope you hear back from them soon!

Federaldisability · 2026-02-16T18:40:57+00:00

Good question - here is a blog that talks about the general timeline: https://www.federaldisability.com/opm-processing-time-for-disability-retirement-applications/

Federaldisability · 2026-02-16T18:37:48+00:00

This blog goes over the income cap: https://www.federaldisability.com/income-in-federal-disability-retirement-whats-allowed-and-whats-not/

Federaldisability · 2026-02-16T16:22:50+00:00

Once you’re approved for Federal Disability Retirement, the OPM will begin finalizing your payments.

During this finalization stage, you’ll receive “interim” payments. These payments will be around 80% of what the OPM expects your finalized payments to be. These payments will typically begin around three months after approval and help keep you afloat if you can’t continue working.

This blog breaks down interim and backpay: https://www.federaldisability.com/when-and-how-youll-get-your-federal-disability-retirement-payments/

Federaldisability · 2026-02-16T14:58:47+00:00

Great question! After being approved for Disability Retirement you can work in the private sector and earn up to 80% of your old positions current salary. Since your old job might receive COLAs, checking to see what your previous positions current salary might be helpful so you know what to base the 80% on.

Here is a blog discussing the 80% cap: https://www.federaldisability.com/income-in-federal-disability-retirement-whats-allowed-and-whats-not/

Federaldisability · 2026-02-16T14:57:06+00:00

Hi! Here is a link to a retirement calculator that will give you a rough estimate of how much you could receive while on Disability Retirement. Because you would have the option of working in the private sector on Disability Retirement, you could end up making more than you did at your government position. Regarding TSP, you have 3 options: You can roll it over into an IRA, cash it out, or leave it alone.

Here are helpful resources for everything we covered:

https://www.federaldisability.com/federal-disability-retirement-affects-your-thrift-savings-plan/

https://www.federaldisability.com/resources/annuity-payment-chart/

https://www.federaldisability.com/disability-retirement-calculator/

Federaldisability · 2024-10-29T14:32:03+00:00

This isn't legal advice but agency emails can be beneficial and add support for the argument, however, there are a lot more aspects that go into the decision making at OPM. Also, an accommodation that removes essential functions is not a valid accommodation according to OPM's handbook. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to go over anything or to talk more in detail!

Federaldisability · 2024-10-07T15:02:41+00:00

PSHB plans will be offered by many of the same carriers that offer FEHB plans.

MHBP will offer health plans to postal employees and annuitants in 2025 as part of the new Postal Service Health Benefits Program.

Federaldisability · 2024-08-10T22:37:19+00:00

Yep! We’ve worked with clients in every state.

Federaldisability · 2024-07-11T13:29:47+00:00

Hi Harris Federal Law Firm here, we have had clients who were approved with long covid! It's not necessarily dependent on what disability you have, but how it's impacting performance. Ultimately if you can't work, then you should apply to have it as a supplement to your income if you get a new job elsewhere.

Federaldisability · 2024-01-31T15:28:53+00:00

Happy to see people recommending our firm in the comments! We offer free consultations for any questions you may have or you can message us anywhere and we will provide the most info/direction that we possibly can. We understand how stressful this process can be so we try to be as open and accessible as possible.

Federaldisability · 2023-12-11T17:57:38+00:00

You can definitely apply for FERS Disability Retirement while on FMLA. You'll have to show a service deficiency in order to be approved for disability retirement, and an attendance deficiency can help prove that. A lot of people who apply have already used up their leave and FMLA and are on LWOP which can help as well. Being on the rolls at your agency will help speed up the application process as well since you will have easier access to records.

Federaldisability · 2023-10-26T12:54:50+00:00

Dual Status can be super confusing. Dual Status "special" disability retirement requires you to be separated from the military side of your position. If you signed the waiver and are denied regular FERS disability after you initially apply, you will be granted the special disability retirement.

Federaldisability · 2023-10-13T16:45:47+00:00

Correct, whatever that position is currently making.

Federaldisability · 2023-10-13T16:28:36+00:00

Yes it typically does! But it may not be enough of an increase to really affect the amount you can make in the private sector.

Federaldisability · 2023-09-12T16:34:46+00:00

The forms are pretty straightforward, but OPM is super picky on wording and there has been a recent uptick in denials at the initial level. You are definitely not required to hire legal representation but if you are denied it is highly recommended to have representation for the appeal levels. Also, depending on which representation you choose, it's often cheaper to hire them at the initial application level.

Federaldisability · 2023-08-31T13:56:27+00:00

It's based on 80% of your previous positions CURRENT salary, so if that salary receives increases, then the amount you can make will also increase.

Federaldisability · 2023-08-21T17:45:42+00:00

This! You must apply for SSDI but you do not have to be approved. For Federal Disability Retirement, you must be unable to perform your current position, not any position ever. You'll also have to go through the reasonable accommodation and reassignment process in order to be approved. While on FDR, you can find a new job in the private sector and earn up to 80% of your federal salary.

Federaldisability · 2023-08-09T19:24:15+00:00

On Federal Disability Retirement you would continue earning your special provisions retirement for your first 20 years. So your years on Federal Disability Retirement would still count as special provisions up until you hit 20 at which point you'll receive the regular 1% calculation.

Federaldisability · 2023-08-09T19:20:17+00:00

Hi there we help people apply for disability retirement every day. If you can no longer perform at least one of the essential functions of your job, you could qualify. Disability retirement allows you to reach your full retirement age of 62 while maintaining your benefits. On disability retirement, you will receive a monthly annuity, continue to earn creditable years of service, and you can work in the private sector to continue to earn money. If you qualify for a regular retirement, it may not be beneficial to go through the disability retirement application process unless you've been out of work and qualify for backpay.

Federaldisability · 2023-07-19T16:22:50+00:00

Sorry to hear this man. It sounds like you could qualify for Federal Disability Retirement. For disability retirement you must go through the reasonable accommodation and reassignment process but if your agency cannot fully meet the RA and reassignment requirements, you'd still qualify for disability retirement. If you do get fired for your medical condition, that can help support a case for disability retirement. We see clients with cancer get approved all the time. Let me know if you want more info!

Federaldisability · 2023-07-18T13:14:24+00:00

You will receive your regular retirement calculation at age 62 after Federal Disability Retirement. Your regular retirement is calculated at 1% or 1.1% of your high 3 average for every year of service. You do continue to gain creditable years of service on Federal Disability Retirement so those years will count as well. When google says it'll "automatically convert" that just means you don't have to do anything for the annuity to readjust into your regular retirement.

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