What to Expect from the OPM Claims Process
If you are a federal employee who is planning to retire because of a recent disabling injury or a disability due to a medical condition, you are most likely going to want to seek OPM disability retirement benefits. These benefits, administered through the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), allow many types of federal employees to receive payments following an early retirement due to disability. For anyone in this position, it is important to seek legal help with the process since it can be complicated. At the same time, it is important for you to understand what to expect or anticipate from this process so that you can be prepared.
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/
