Q – What if as a FERS employee I become disabled before I retire?
Q – What is the definition of disability?
Q – Does Social Security use the same definition of disability as OPM?
Q – What if as a FERS employee I become disabled before I retire?
A – If you have at least 18 months of creditable service and become disabled, based on a non-work related disability, your disability benefit would be:
• 1 st year of disability – 60% of your High – 3 average salary minus 100% of any Social Security disability benefit payable
• 2 nd year of disability – up to age 62, 40% of your High – 3 average salary minus 60% of any Social Security disability benefit payable
• At age 62, the disability benefit will be recomputed as a retirement benefit, with credit given for the period of disability.
• The COLA’s, as received, increases the High-3 average salary while on the disability roles.
Q – What is the definition of disability?
A – You must meet the following conditions to be eligible for a disability benefit:
• Must be totally disabled for useful and efficient service in your current position,
• Must not have declined a reasonable job offer at the same grade or pay level, in the commuting area, and one in which you can be assumed to render useful and efficient service and,
• Must apply to OPM for disability benefits.
FERS employees must apply for Social Security benefits.
Q – Does Social Security use the same definition of disability as OPM?
A – No, Social Security’s definition is more restrictive.
The Social Security definition of disability is that you are so severely disabled, mentally or physically, that you cannot perform any substantial gainful activity. The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months, have already lasted 12 months, or to result in death. The impairment must be based on medical evidence.
Additionally, you must be fully insured and currently connected to the covered workforce. To be fully insured means that you have the required credits. One credit is required for each year elapsing after 1950 or after attainment of age 21 whichever is later up to the onset of disability. Further, you must have earned a number of the credits within recent years.