Disability When to Consider Applying for Disability

Disability When to Consider Applying for Disability Retirement
Eligibility Requirements
Applying for FERS Disability Retirement
Periodic Medical Exams to Keep Your Disability Benefit
Changing Your Retirement to Disability Retirement
Termination of FERS Disability Benefit
Reinstatement of Disability Benefit if it Stops
Disability Retirement Computation
Reductions in Disability Annuity
Cost of Living Adjustments for FERS Disability Retiree
Entitlement to Other Benefits-Effect on FERS Disability Benefit:
When to Consider Applying for Disability Retirement
You should consider applying for disability retirement only after you have provided your employing agency with complete documentation of your medical condition and your agency has exhausted all reasonable attempts to retain you in a productive capacity, through accommodation or reassignment.

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Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following conditions to be eligible for disability retirement:

You must have completed at least 18 months of Federal civilian service which is creditable under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
You must, while employed in a position subject to the retirement system, have become disabled, because of disease or injury, for useful and efficient service in your current position.
The disability must be expected to last at least one year.
Your agency must certify that it is unable to accommodate your disabling medical condition in your present position and that it has considered you for any vacant position in the same agency at the same grade or pay level, within the same commuting area, for which you are qualified for reassignment.
You, or your guardian or other interested person, must apply before your separation from service or within one year thereafter. The application must be received by either OPM or your former employing agency within one year