Understanding Federal Disability Retirement
disability retirement federal employee rights federal employment legal guidance opm benefits Oct 30, 2025When medical conditions make it impossible to meet the core duties of your federal job—even with reasonable accommodation—disability retirement may offer a stable path forward. This benefit provides an income floor for employees who can no longer perform their essential duties due to a lasting health condition. It’s distinct from workers’ compensation or Social Security disability, though it can sometimes coordinate with those programs.
Who Qualifies and What to Watch
For most employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), eligibility begins after 18 months of creditable service; under CSRS, it’s generally five years. Your medical condition must be expected to last at least a year and directly prevent you from performing key aspects of your role. You must also show that your agency could not reassign you to a suitable vacant position at your same grade and pay.
Applications have strict filing deadlines—particularly if you’ve recently separated—so early action is essential. Examples of qualifying conditions often include chronic pain that limits fieldwork, PTSD that affects armed duties, or long-COVID that curtails required travel.
Common Pitfalls
Many applications fail because medical documentation does not clearly connect the diagnosis to the inability to perform essential job duties. Others are denied due to incomplete forms, missed deadlines, or an agency’s claim that “reasonable accommodation” solved the issue when it did not. A well-drafted medical narrative and precise legal framing are key to success.
How Southworth PC Helps
At Southworth PC, disability retirement cases are handled for a flat fee—offering predictability when finances may already feel uncertain. Our team coordinates directly with your physicians to ensure medical narratives align with your official position description, organizes the evidence to meet OPM’s standards, and monitors every deadline. If OPM issues an initial denial, we’ve already built a strong record for reconsideration or appeal.
Taking the Next Step
If your health makes federal service unsustainable, an experienced federal employment attorney can help you evaluate whether disability retirement fits your situation—or guide you toward better options. Southworth PC offers straightforward assessments covering your position, medical condition, and eligibility timeline.
You can learn more or request a consultation at fedlegalhelp.com/firm or attorneysforfederalemployees.com .
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
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