Annapolis, MD OPM Disability Retirement Lawyers
Attorneys Helping Federal Workers Apply for Disability Retirement Benefits in Annapolis, Maryland
Employees of the federal government may encounter a variety of issues that could affect their duties and place limits on their employment. When work-related injuries affect a person or health issues arise out of the work they have performed, workers’ compensation benefits can provide essential relief. However, other types of medical conditions may also affect an employee, and if accommodations cannot be made in the workplace, they may be eligible for disability retirement benefits.
At The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we help federal employees understand and apply for the benefits that are available to them. We know the difficulties that many federal workers face when they are no longer able to fully perform their duties, and we can advise them on the steps they can take to retire and obtain ongoing benefits.
What Is OPM Disability Retirement?
When federal employees can no longer perform their required job functions due to injuries, illnesses, health concerns, or stress-related disorders, they have the option to retire and receive ongoing disability benefits. Federal retirement plans are operated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which evaluates claims and determines whether a person is eligible. Most federal workers will be able to receive benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), although some older workers may be covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
Some examples of situations where workers may apply for OPM disability retirement include:
- A physical condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome prevents a person from performing the work that is an essential part of their job.
- An illness such as multiple sclerosis has limited the types of activities a person can perform or made it impossible for them to perform work on a full-time basis.
- A person with mobility issues who had previously been able to work remotely is now required to work in-person, but their disabilities do not allow them to do so.
- A position will require a person to relocate to a new office in a different region of the country, but they cannot do so because they need access to health facilities or require assistance from a family member.
Eligibility for Disability Retirement
Employees who will receive disability retirement benefits through FERS may be able to retire if they have a total of at least 18 months of work for the federal government. Their disability must make it impossible to perform the essential functions of their position, and it must be expected to last for at least one year.
In some cases, federal agencies may be able to make accommodations to ensure that a person with a disability can continue to perform their job functions. A person may also be reassigned to a vacant position at the same pay grade and within the same geographical area that better fits the limitations of their disability. If no accommodations can be made, the agency will provide an official certification stating that it is unable to accommodate the worker. This certification is a requirement for eligibility for OPM disability retirement.
When applying for disability retirement, a federal employee will also be required to apply for Social Security disability benefits. The amount of benefits a person receives from Social Security will be deducted from the amount of retirement disability benefits they can receive through FERS.
Contact Our Annapolis Federal Worker Disability Retirement Attorneys
The team at The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. understands the concerns that federal employees often face when they experience health conditions that may affect their employment. We can review a person’s case to determine their eligibility for disability retirement benefits, and we can assist with filing claims through OPM. If benefits are denied, we can provide representation during an appeal.
Our lawyers are ready to fight for our clients, helping to ensure that they can access benefits and avoid financial difficulties. Arrange a free consultation with an attorney today by calling us at 866-460-0994 or contacting us online.