In short, if you are seeking OPM disability retirement, you can obtain benefits at any age, but our national OPM eligibility lawyers can explain in more detail.

OPM Disability Retirement Age Eligibility (No Minimum Age Requirement) 

If you are seeking OPM disability retirement benefits because of a disabling condition, there is no minimum age. As the OPM explains, you can apply at any age as long as you have been in a FERS job for at least 18 months before becoming disabled, and you must have become disabled while employed in that position subject to FERS.

Additional requirements include that the disability must be expected to last at year one year, and your agency “must certify that it is unable to accommodate your disabling medical condition in your present position and that it has considered you for any vacant position in the same agency at the same grade/pay level, within the same commuting area, for which you are qualified for reassignment.”

OPM Minimum Retirement Age for Other Types of Benefits (Not Disability)

If you do a quick search for OPM retirement age, you will find information about minimum age requirements, but these do not apply to individuals seeking disability retirement.

For other types of OPM retirement — not disability — there is a general Minimum Age Requirement between 55 and 57, depending on your year of birth. Additional forms of retirement — including immediate requirement, early requirement, and deferred retirement — have minimum age requirements and/or required years of service.

Contact Our National OPM Eligibility Attorneys for Assistance with Your Disability Retirement Application

If you have become disabled and believe you may be eligible for OPM disability retirement benefits, it is important to seek legal help with your application. While OPM retirement eligibility in general is based in part on age, as we discussed above, the Minimum Retirement Age for OPM retirement is different from the Social Security Administration’s retirement age table. However, as we explained above, your age is not a relevant factor for determining your eligibility for disability retirement benefits through the OPM — only for other types of OPM retirement. To find out more about your OPM disability retirement eligibility or to begin the process of seeking benefits, you should get in touch with an experienced national OPM eligibility lawyer at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz. Contact our firm today to find out more about how we can assist you.

Source:

opm.gov/retirement-center/fers-information/eligibility/

If you are considering OPM disability retirement benefits, you likely already know that these benefits are specifically for employees who are in a federal civilian position that is creditable under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and have been in that position for at least 18 months. In general, your OPM disability retirement benefit is based on your earnings while in that position, but there are a couple of scenarios in which your benefit amount could change. Our OPM disability retirement benefit lawyers can explain in more detail.

Recalculation of Your Disability Benefit in the Second Year

Your disability retirement benefit may be recalculated in the second year. As the OPM explains, in the first year, many individuals receive a disability retirement benefit that is 60 percent of their high-3 average salary (i.e., “the highest average basic pay you earned during any 3 consecutive years of service,” according to the OPM) minus 100 percent of their Social Security benefit.

When this is a relevant circumstance during the first year, the recipient’s annuity “will be recalculated at 40 percent of your high-3 average salary beginning the second year minus 60 percent of your monthly Social Security benefit or your earned benefit, whichever is higher, if applicable,” the OPM explains.

Recalculation at Age 62

You should also anticipate that your disability benefit will be recalculated once you reach the age of 62. At this age, your total benefit will be recalculated as if you had worked until you were 62 years old.

You should expect this recalculation to occur once you turn 62. If you have any questions about this recalculation, a lawyer can provide you with more information.

Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) 

Finally, in addition to the two statutory situations above that can result in a disability benefit changing, federal benefits are often subject to cost of living adjustments, or COLAs, which involve an increase in the benefit amount to account for the increase in the cost of living. When COLAs occur, you may see your benefit increase.

Contact Our National OPM Eligibility Attorneys for Assistance with Your Disability Retirement Benefits

Whether you are in the early process of seeking OPM disability retirement or you have questions or concerns about your continued eligibility and benefit amount, a lawyer with experience handling OPM disability retirement cases can help. Our firm can discuss issues of initial and continued eligibility with you, and we can answer any questions you have about the eligibility process more generally. Do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced national OPM eligibility lawyer at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz. Contact us today for assistance.

Source:

opm.gov/support/retirement/faq/disability-benefits/

More specifically, if at any point your disability benefits stopped and the OPM said that you were no longer eligible, are there any steps you can take to have your disability retirement benefits reinstated? It will depend on the reason that your OPM disability benefits stopped, as well as your present medical circumstances. Our national OPM disability retirement attorneys can explain in more detail, and we can speak with you today about your case.

Reinstating Benefits After Being Medically Recovered

According to the OPM, if you stopped receiving an OPM disability retirement benefit “because you were found recovered either medically or administratively,” then you may be eligible to have your benefit reinstated. The process for doing this will depend on whether you were considered medically or administratively recovered.

If you were considered medically recovered but your disability recurs, as long as you have not exceeded the “80 percent earnings limitation,” then the OPM says that your benefit can resume. And, “if your disability benefit stopped merely because you exceeded the earnings limitation, then your benefit can resume . . . after you no longer exceed the 80 percent earnings limit.”

Receiving Benefits Again After Being Administratively Recovered

What about being administratively recovered? This happens if you return to a federal job where either your salary or grade is higher than it was when you previously retired and received OPM disability retirement benefits. If your disability recurs, you can be eligible to receive OPM disability benefits again, but you will need to go through the entire OPM disability retirement benefits process anew. That means submitting a new application with all of its requirements, including new medical documentation.

To find out how to have your benefits reinstated, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible if your disability has recurred.

Contact Our National OPM Disability Retirement Lawyers Today for Help Having Your Benefits Reinstated

If you were previously receiving OPM disability retirement benefits but your benefits stopped for medical or administrative reasons, you may be able to have your benefits reinstated if there has been a change in circumstances. As we discussed above, if your disability has recurred, you should begin working with an experienced national OPM disability retirement attorney at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz as soon as possible to see about your renewed eligibility. Do not hesitate to reach out to our firm to learn more about how we can assist you with all issues related to your OPM disability retirement and eligibility. Contact our firm today for assistance.

Source:

opm.gov/support/retirement/faq/disability-benefits/

Before you move forward with your application, you may have questions about the regularity with which you will need to see a doctor or the frequency of follow-up medical visits. Our national OPM disability retirement lawyers can provide you with more information.

You Will Need Substantial Medical Evidence to Receive OPM Disability Benefits

First, in order to be eligible for OPM disability retirement benefits, you will need to have medical evidence that supports your application. You will need evidence from your licensed health care provider or providers that shows you have become disabled due to disease or injury in such a way that you cannot engage in “useful and efficient service in your current position,” and that your disability is expected to last at least one year.

This may require only one medical examination, but it will likely require more. If you have a disability that is serious enough to last at least one year and prevent you from working, you will likely require significant follow-up care even if the OPM does not expressly request it.

Your Medical Case May Be Reviewed, and You May Be Required to Have Additional Medical Exams After Receiving Initial Benefits

Now, once you have been approved for OPM disability retirement benefits, should you expect to hear from the OPM about required follow-up medical exams? In other words, will the OPM continue to monitor the medical details of your case to reaffirm your eligibility for benefits based on new and ongoing medical evidence?

According to the OPM, “when we approve your application for disability retirement, we may determine that based on your medical condition you will periodically have to provide us with current medical information in order to continue receiving benefits.” As such, whether or not you will have to receive follow-up medical exams for the purposes of ongoing OPM disability retirement eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Our National OPM Disability Retirement Lawyer Today for Assistance with Your Application 

Are you considering applying for OPM disability retirement benefits? It will be important to determine your eligibility with assistance from a lawyer who has experience handling these claims, and to discuss all of the details of the process so that you know what to expect and so that you take all required steps. An experienced national OPM disability retirement attorney at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can discuss your circumstances with you today and can begin working with you on your OPM disability retirement claim. Contact our firm to learn more about how we can assist you.

Source:

opm.gov/support/retirement/faq/disability-benefits/

Our national OPM disability retirement eligibility attorneys can explain which federal employees can be eligible for these benefits and what you need to do to begin the claims process.

Federal Employees Who Have Worked for 18 Months or More in a Job Subject to FERS Can Be Eligible

In order to be eligible for OPM disability retirement benefits, the first eligibility requirement is that you must have worked for at least 18 months in a federal civilian service job that is subject to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Which federal civilian service jobs are subject to FERS? Generally speaking, new and non-temporary federal civilian employees who have been hired to positions beginning in 1984 or after are covered by FERS. In order to be eligible for OPM disability retirement benefits, you must have been in this job for at least 18 months, or one and a half years, as we noted above. If you have questions about whether your job is subject to FERS, you should ask an OPM eligibility lawyer as soon as possible.

More Eligibility Requirements That Federal Employees Must Meet

In addition to the requirements above concerning your length of time in a federal civilian service job covered by FERS, you also must meet additional requirements for OPM retirement disability benefits that include the following:

• You must have become disabled in your federal civilian service job subject to FERS due to disease or injury, “for useful and efficient service in your current position”;
• Your disability must be expected to last for at least one year;
• Your agency must certify that it cannot accommodate your disabling condition and has considered you for any available reassignment in the same grade or pay level and commuting area;
• You apply for OPM retirement disability benefits within one year of your separation from service; and
• You must apply for social security disability benefits.

Contact a National OPM Disability Retirement Eligibility Attorney for Assistance with Your Disability Retirement Claim 

If you have become disabled while working in a federal job, you may be eligible to receive OPM disability retirement benefits. You should seek advice as soon as possible from an attorney who can assist you in determining your eligibility and working with you through the claims process. One of the experienced national OPM disability retirement eligibility lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can speak with you today about your eligibility and how to take the next steps to receive OPM disability retirement benefits. Contact our firm to learn more about how we can assist you.

Source:

opm.gov/support/retirement/faq/disability-benefits/

What is the difference between SSD and OPM disability payments? Can you be eligible for both at the same time? And how can you determine eligibility? Our national SSD and OPM claims process lawyer can answer some commonly asked questions below, and we can speak with you today about your particular case and your eligibility for different types of disability benefits.

What is the Difference Between SSD and OPM Disability Retirement Benefits?

Both SSD and OPM disability retirement benefits are designed for disabled adults, but the eligibility requirements are different.

Notably, only certain federal employees who are within the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) are eligible for OPM disability retirement whereas any worker in a private or public job may be eligible for SSD benefits.

What is the Medical Requirement for SSD Versus OPM?

Both have a specific medical eligibility component. For SSD, you must have a medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death, and it must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). OPM disability retirement has a medical component that requires you to have a physical or mental impairment that will prevent you from performing your job duties for at least one year.

What Are the Different Work Requirements for SSD and OPM?

As far as work requirements go, for OPM disability retirement, you must have been working for at least 18 months in a federal position that is covered by FERS, and you must be unable to get an accommodation or reassignment from your particular agency.

For SSD benefits, you must have enough work credits that you earned by working for enough years, and recently enough, to qualify. Most adults will need 20 work credits earned over the last 10 years, with the possibility of earning up to 4 credits per year.

Who Administers SSD and OPM Benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers SSD or SSDI benefits, while the OPM administers OPM disability retirement.

Contact Our National SSD and OPM Claims Process Attorney Today for Assistance

Whether you want to seek SSD benefits, OPM disability retirement benefits, or both, an experienced national SSDI claims process lawyer at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can assist you. We can answer any remaining questions you have about the claims processes and your eligibility, and we can assist you in applying for the benefits that you need and are eligible to receive at this time. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help with your SSD and OPM disability retirement benefits.

Sources:

opm.gov/support/retirement/faq/disability-benefits/

ssa.gov/disability

Regardless of whether you are just learning about OPM disability retirement or you have begun the process, we know that the timeline can be complicated to understand. There is an official timetable for each step of the OPM disability retirement claims process, but then there is the reality of the processing time it takes based on the number of claims received. What is the timeline you should anticipate for your OPM disability claim? Our national OPM claims process attorneys can provide you with more information below, and we can discuss your particular case with you today.

OPM Formal Timeline for Your Claim

The event that will trigger the start of your OPM claims process timeline is the determination of your date of separation  —  this is your date of retirement. Once this date is determined, then you will need to provide required notice and submit all required documents. Once everything has been received, the processing of your OPM disability retirement claim will begin. According to the OPM, most people will experience a process that takes three to five months from the determined date of separation, although the process can take longer.

Over the weeks and months that follow the date of separation and submission of all required documents, the process will no longer be in your hands. First, agency and payroll processing will take place over approximately 30-45 days. The payroll office will then submit your retirement package to the OPM, where it will be assigned a claim number. This “intake” part of the process usually takes between 10-15 days. Then, the official OPM processing will start, which takes an average of 10-90 days.

Recent OPM Processing Times

What is the actual processing time for this latter stage of the process, when the OPM officially processes your disability retirement claim?

The OPM keeps data on recent processing times, and those times have increased over the last year. In November 2024, the average processing time in days was 58 days. By October 2025, the average processing time in days had increased to 79 days. Still, those processing times are within the OPM’s stated average, which suggests that you can expect an average processing time of between 10-90 days as the OPM suggests, but that you may need to plan on the longer end of that timetable. During the processing time, you may be eligible for interim benefits, and your lawyer can help you to determine your eligibility for these.

Contact Our National OPM Claims Process Attorney Today to Seek Assistance with Your Claim

The OPM claims process can be confusing, and the specific timeline you might be able to expect is often unclear. When you are in a situation where you cannot work because of a disability, we know how critical it is to meet all of the requirements for OPM disability retirement benefits and to have your claim processed as quickly as possible. One of the experienced national OPM claims process lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can assist you from start to finish with your OPM disability retirement claim, and we are here to answer any questions you have about the timeline or otherwise. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you.

Sources:

opm.gov/retirement-center/retirement-statistics/retirement-processing-status.pdf

Should you apply for OPM disability retirement, you may be wondering? Our national OPM disability retirement attorneys can tell you more about the requirements so that you can get a better sense of whether you are eligible. If you believe you may be eligible, you should get in touch with one of our attorneys as soon as possible to begin working on the process of obtaining OPM disability retirement benefits.

Do You Work for an Eligible Employer?

First, do you work for an eligible employer? If you are currently a federal employee who is under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), then you should be eligible to apply for OPM disability retirement.

Do You Meet the Requirements?

To receive OPM disability retirement benefits, you must meet specific requirements set forth under federal law. If you believe you meet the requirements, or even if you are unsure, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible so that you can receive the benefits you need. Those requirements include the following:

• You have completed 18 months or more of federal civilian service;
• You became disabled while in your federal job due to disease or injury and “for useful and efficient service in your current position”;
• Your disability is expected to last for at least a year;
• Your agency can certify that it cannot accommodate your disability in your current condition and cannot reassign you;
• You apply for OPM disability retirement within one year from the date of your separation from federal service (and the OPM receives your application before one year is up); and
• You have applied for Social Security Disability benefits.

To actually apply for OPM disability retirement, you will need to provide a substantial amount of documentation that your attorney can help you to prepare. You will also need to submit specific federal forms. The amount of money you receive will depend on your average salary while you were working, as well as your age if you are under the age of 62.

Contact Our National OPM Disability Claims Attorneys for Assistance 

If you are a federal employee who recently became disabled, it is important to know about your options for receiving disability benefits. More specifically, you may be eligible for OPM disability retirement. One of the experienced national OPM disability retirement lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can discuss your eligibility with you today and can begin working with you on the process of seeking benefits. Contact us for additional information.

Source:

opm.gov/retirement-center/fers-information/types-of-retirement/

What forms and documents will you ultimately need to apply for OPM disability requirement? Consider the following information.

Standard Form (SF) 3107, Application for Immediate Retirement

This required form has two major sections:

• Section A, which includes your identifying information;
• Section B, which includes details about your federal service;
• Section C, which includes your marital information;
• Section D, which includes your annuity election;
• Section E, which contains your insurance information;
• Section F, or “other claim information;
• Section G, which is an optional section if you have unmarried dependent children;
• Section H, payment instructions; and
• Section I, your certification.

There are also additional Schedules A, B, and C that pertain to military service, military retired pay, and federal employee compensation. Your spouse also may be required to complete information. And there are additional components that will need to be completed by your employer.

Standard Form (SF) 3112, Documentation in Support of Disability Retirement 

This required “form” is actually a package of forms that you will need to complete. It contains five separate forms, which require specific information from you, your supervisor, your agency, and your health care provider. The package of forms includes the following:

• SF 3112A, Applicant’s Statement of Disability;
• SF 3112B, Supervisor’s Statement;
• SF 3112C, Physician’s Statement;
• SF 3112D, Agency Certification of Reassignment and Accommodation Efforts; and
• 3112E, Disability Retirement Application Checklist.

Each of the above forms is relatively extensive, and it is important to go over each of them with your attorney.

As the OPM further explains, it is your responsibility to provide the necessary medical evidence for your application to be approved. Based on the evidence you submit, the OPM must be able to “decide that your disease or injury is so severe that you can no longer perform useful or efficient service, or that you have a medical condition that requires restrictions from critical duties of your job.” The OPM also explains that you should submit medical information that “contains diagnosis, prognosis, and a treatment plan dated no more than 60 days before the date your application is filed.”

Contact Our OPM Disability Retirement Attorneys for Assistance

Before you begin taking any steps to complete required forms or documentation, it is important to seek advice from an attorney about your eligibility for benefits. Do you have questions about your eligibility for OPM disability retirement, or do you need assistance with your application? One of the experienced national OPM disability retirement lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can assist you. Contact us today to find out more about your eligibility or to begin working on your application.

Sources:

opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/sf3107.pdf

opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf3112.pdf

Our national OPM claims process attorneys can provide you with more general information below, and we can speak with you today about how we can help with your OPM disability retirement claim.

Date of Separation or Retirement Determined 

The first step in the OMP disability retirement claims process is a determination of your date of separation, also known as your date of retirement. This date, followed by your notice and submission of all required documents, will be the start of the process for obtaining benefits. As the OPM explains, “processing of your annuity cannot begin until after your date of separation for retirement from your agency.” Once this date is set, the process usually lasts approximately three to five months.

Agency and Payroll Processing

The next step is agency and payroll processing, which involves your federal agency completing required documentation and submitting your retirement application to the payroll office. The payroll office then puts your retirement records together and sends everything to OPM. This part of the process typically takes 30 to 45 days.

OPM Intake

Next, once OPM receives your retirement package, it will assign you a retirement claim number and send you your first interim payment if you are eligible. Interim pay is a percentage of your estimated annuity payment, typically between 60 to 80 percent of what you will receive once your application is approved and finalized. Interim payments are designed to help you pay for expenses while your retirement process is moving forward. The intake part of the process takes approximately 10 to 15 days.

OPM Processing 

Over the next 10 to 90 days, OPM processing will occur. During this time, OPM will be reviewing your case, determining your annuity amount, and sending monthly interim payments if you are eligible.

Your Retirement is Finalized

The final step is for OPM to finalize your retirement. At this point, you will be paid for any adjustments necessary, and you will receive your first full annuity payment, along with your personalized retirement booklet.

Contact Our National OPM Claims Process Lawyers for Assistance with Your Claim or Appeal 

If you have any questions about the OPM claims process, or if you need assistance seeking OPM disability retirement benefits or appealing the OPM’s decision, our firm can help. An experienced national OPM claims process attorney at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can speak with you today to answer any questions you have and to begin working with you on your OPM disability retirement claim. Contact our firm to learn more about how we can assist you.

Source:

opm.gov/support/retirement/