SSD Versus OPM Disability: Getting Your Questions Answered

Were you recently diagnosed with a serious disability following an accident or in relation to a medical diagnosis? If so, you may already be looking into the options available to you for obtaining disability benefits. For many adults who have worked long enough and recently enough, and whose diagnosis makes them medically eligible, it is possible to apply for and to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. In addition, anyone in this situation who is a federal employee may also be eligible for federal retirement benefits through the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

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