If you are a federal employee, you may be eligible for federal disability benefits if you have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from being “useful and efficient” in your current job position. The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) supports federal disabled workers who are unable to perform their job efficiently.

FERS Disability Requirements & Benefits

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is available to people who have worked as federal civilians or postal employees for at least 18 months. Your employer will also have to prove that they attempted to accommodate your disability in the workplace.

The type of benefits you receive will depend on your age. Some of the earning considerations include:

  • The average of your highest paying three years of federal service
  • If you’re over 62 or eligible for voluntary retirement, you’ll get approximately one percent of your three-year average for each year of federal service.
  • If you also qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI), the amount you receive from FERS disability will be reduced by the amount of your benefit for the first year, then by 60 percent every year after that.

Working While on FERS Disability

If you decide to receive FERS disability benefits, you won’t be able to keep your federal job because you proved that you were unable to perform your job responsibilities. However, you can still work, as long as you work in a private sector and don’t earn more than 80 percent of your federal salary.

Federal Employment Law Attorneys

If you need assistance applying for FERS disability or your disability request was denied. Our team at Pines Federal is here to help you. With over 50 years of combined experience, our federal employment law attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to help you obtain your desired outcome.

Get in touch with our team today at (800) 801-0598 to schedule a consultation!