How long does it take to process a FERS disability application?

Federal workers with medical conditions who cannot work may be eligible for disability benefits under the Federal Employment Retirement System.

But you might wonder, “What is the FERS disability retirement processing time” if you’re applying for FERS benefits. Then, you must ask, “Why is it taking so long?” Can we speed up the process?

This article will assist in providing answers to some of the most often popular questions about the FERS disability retirement working phase, even though there are many nuances and pitfalls to be aware of while applying for FERS benefits.

The Office of Personnel Management can sometimes process applications just three months after they are submitted. Occasionally, it might take a bit longer than a year. OPM judgments, however, frequently take about six to nine months to be made.

What’s more, if an employee does not receive a response in a timely manner and is dismissed or placed on unpaid leave without notice but does not have a considerable amount of savings, losing their ability to work could put them in serious financial problems and raise concerns about health insurance and the costs of treatments needed for their medical condition.

The speed at which your application is handled could vary depending on several variables, as was already indicated. The main cause is that the OPM that is in charge of handling these applications typically evaluates these in order of receipt. Considering that OPM is in command of all federal employees, processing your application may take some time, let alone sending it to an expert for review and analysis.

Even though there is no way to bypass the queue entirely, according to OPM guidelines, while submitting all of your papers the first time, you can help ensure that you will have to get in line again.

Your employment position with the company is another significant variable that could influence how quickly you receive a decision. For example, if you submit your application, it can be evaluated more quickly if you have yet to have federal service for more than 30 days.

This is because you submit your application to OPM in Boyers, Pennsylvania, where it will be processed and given a civil service annuity number instantly. After receiving a CSA number, the application is sent to an OPM expert for consideration.

Comparing this with the application procedure for someone seeking employment now or quitting their job in the next 30 days. In such situations, an application must go through several departments of the applicant’s agency before it ultimately reaches OPM. The local institution you work for initially processes your application. Before the package is sent, the local facility might be requested to complete any necessary forms as part of the application.

You have 18 months from the retirement decision date to appeal with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, claiming a constructive refusal by OPM, according to certain more recent case law.

Although submitting a disability retirement application can take a little time, there are alternatives to accelerate the process. The extensive application packet includes numerous forms, letters, and other documentation that your agency, the physician must submit, and the office must provide.

An application that has been accurately completed, is organized and has all of the information OPM will be looking for is more likely to be approved by OPM. This will speed up the review procedure as well.