Q&A - Federal Disability Retirement Application Process

Hey, everyone, let's talk about federal disability retirement. But first, click over here to watch our recent webinar about the application process. In that webinar, a lot of great questions came up. So in this Q&A, we're going to go in depth into some of the answers to those questions to help simplify this confusing benefit for you. Don't forget to hit the like button and subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any of our new content that'll help you better plan for your future. Now, let's jump in. Question number one. How long is the entire federal disability retirement process? Once we receive all of the necessary documentation, it'll take around one to four months to submit your application to the Office of Personnel Management. The OPM's processing time can vary depending on their backlog, but we typically see anywhere from six to twelve months to receive an initial decision from the OPM on your federal disability retirement case. Now, that may seem like a long time, but remember, this benefit is worth waiting for. If you do happen to be denied initially, it's important to keep in mind that you have 30 days to submit an appeal for reconsideration to the OPM. Question number two. Can I start the process even if I don't have a doctor's letter yet? We actually recommend that you speak with your medical provider prior to starting the application process to ensure that they can provide all of the necessary documentation. But you can definitely get the ball rolling. You should research federal disability retirement and schedule a free consultation with our firm to learn about all of the benefits that are available to you. Our firm is always putting out new resources and webinars that you can find under the resources tab on our website. Question number three. Can I add documents to my federal disability retirement case after it is received by the OPM? The simple answer to that is yes, you can add supplemental and supporting documentation into your case up until an initial decision is made by the OPM. However, you cannot remove any material that has already been submitted. That's why it's essential to speak with our team to ensure that your application is as strong as possible before being submitted. Question number four. Can I submit a federal disability retirement application without a valid reasonable accommodation decision from my agency? Unfortunately, you cannot. In order to qualify for federal disability retirement, you must provide documentation stating that your agency has tried and is not able to reasonably accommodate you in your current position. Remember, a reasonable accommodation is an existing position at the same pay and grade level within your commuting area that you are qualified for. Question number five. What if the OPM doesn't approve my application for federal disability retirement? If you're denied, don't worry, you have appeal options. You have 30 days from the date of your denial letter to submit an appeal for reconsideration to the OPM. You can request the OPM make a new decision based off of the evidence that they already have, submit new evidence or request a 30 day extension in order to gather new evidence to submit. It's not too late to get an attorney on your side. We're sure you have a lot more questions and we're excited to help you learn more about your benefits and how they can impact your future. If you like this video, check out the description below for links to more resources and to learn how to contact our firm. Thanks for watching. We'll see you again next time.