Social Security And Disability Eligibility
Also known as Supplemental Security Income , you can receive Social Security retirement benefits as long as youre at least 62 years old and have at least 40 work credits. Work credits are earned when you pay Social Security taxes on income you earned from a job or from self-employment. Youll be eligible to earn these benefits at the early retirement age or the full retirement age. The full retirement age varies depending on when you were born. For instance, the full retirement age is 66 if you were born from 1943 to 1954, according to the Social Security Administration . Full retirement age is 67 for anyone born after 1960, but you can opt for early retirement benefits at age 62.
For disability, the age requirements are quite different. You only need to be at least 18 years of age to qualify, and SSA guidelines require you to prove that:
- You cant do the work that youve done before
- You cant adjust to other work because of your medical condition
- Your disability has lasted or will last for at least one year or result in death
For example, if you are working in 2020 and making more than $1,260 a month, you wont be considered disabled.
Appealing A Fers Denial
Your case isnt over just because youve been denied benefits.In fact, FERS grants petitioners 30 days to request a reconsideration. We can guide you through this process by helping you effectively update your record. If youve already been denied after asking for a reconsideration, we can represent your case before the Merit System Protection Board . If necessary, we can even litigate on your behalf in federal court.
Whats The Difference Between Disability And Retirement
First up, lets talk about the difference between disability and retirement benefits. Both are administered by the Social Security Administration , and both are programs designed to provide financial assistance to Americans who can no longer work. Both programs also have specific requirements beneficiaries must meet in order to qualify for benefits.
Also Check: Optimal Withdrawal Strategy For Retirement Income Portfolios
Is Your Condition Severe
Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work-related activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or remembering for at least 12 months. If it does not, we will find that you are not disabled.
If your condition does interfere with basic work-related activities, we go to Step 3.
Answers For Federal Disability Retirement
Youre able to apply for federal disability retirement while still employed and up to one year after youve stopped working for the federal government. Here are some questions and answers about disability retirement basics.
What are the basic qualifications for Federal Employees Retirement System disability benefits?
- At least 18 months of federal service as a civilian or postal employee
- Inability to perform useful and efficient service in your current job because of a physical or mental disability
- Expectation of your disability to last at least 12 months
- Inability of your federal agency to reassign you at your same grade or pay level of your present position
How much can I get in FERS disability benefits?
It all depends. The older you are and the more federal employment service you have, the more you stand to receive. Some of the earning considerations include:
- The average of your highest paying three years of federal service.
- If youre over 62 or eligible for voluntary retirement, youll get approximately one percent of your three year average for each year of federal service.
- If you also qualify for Social Security Disability , the amount you receive from FERS disability will be reduced by the amount of your benefit for the first year, then by 60 percent every year after that.
Does my employer have to do anything so I can qualify?
Yes, they will have to provide proof that they have attempted to accommodate your disability in the workplace.
Read Also: Top 50 Places To Retire In The Us
Certain Government And Railroad Employees
There are some jobs that dont pay into Social Security. Federal government employees hired before 1984 are included in the Civil Service Retirement System , which provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. These workers did not have Social Security taxes deducted from their paychecks and thus are not eligible to receive Social Security benefits.
They may still qualify if they have earned benefits through another job or a spouse. However, in these cases, CSRS pension payments may reduce Social Security payouts. Government workers who are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System , which replaced CSRS, are eligible for Social Security benefits.
Most state and local employees have Social Security protection under a federal Section 218 agreement. However, some of these workersincluding those who work for a public school system, college, or universitywill not receive Social Security benefits if they do not pay Social Security taxes. They generally receive pension benefits from their employers.
Basic Facts About Fers Disability Retirement
The Federal Employees Retirement System provides retirement and disability benefits to eligible workers. If you become disabled, you may be eligible to receive FERS disability retirement payments which are different from regular retirement benefits. There are specific requirements that need to be met before you can qualify for federal disability retirement benefits and the amount you receive can vary based on your age, length of service, earnings and whether you also receive Social Security disability benefits. Heres more on how these benefits work and who may qualify for them.
A financial advisor can give invaluable guidance as you sort through your options for retirement.
Don’t Miss: Retirement Community Sun Prairie Wi
How Do My Social Security Disability Benefits Affect My Retirement In Florida
- Legal Posts
If you are receiving disability benefits and are approaching retirement age, you may have some questions about how SSI and SSDI work and how one affects the other. It is important to understand the basic steps you need to take in order to receive full benefits without making costly mistakes that may impact your income for life. Because rules regarding SSI and SSDI can be quite complex, we recommend consulting with a Florida Social Security Disability attorney to understand your rights.
Get In Touch With A Federal Employment Lawyer Today
Were a compassionate and caring team of attorneys who strive to empower government employees and protect their interests.
We know public servants are dedicated to serving their country and promoting the general welfare.
Therefore, we believe our clients should be able to exercise their rights fully, whatever their situation.
As soon as you call us, well work to make sure you get the treatment and compensation you deserve.
Reach out to us online or call us at 612-5956.
Recommended Reading: Retirement Plan For 30 Year Old
Can I Only Apply For One Type Of Disability Benefit
The Federal Employees Retirement System requires applicants to also file for Social Security Disability benefits. However, they dont require you to get approved to receive benefits. They require applicants to file for SSD since those who suffer from total disability may qualify for both benefits however, an offset may occur.
Who Is Eligible For Federal Disability Retirement Benefits
The OPM sets clear guidelines on who can qualify for FERS disability retirement benefits. In order to qualify, you have to meet all of the following conditions:
- You must have completed at least 18 months of federal civilian service creditable under the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- You must have become disabled while working in a position subject to the federal retirement system to the point that you can no longer carry out your duties.
- Your disability must be expected to last at least one year.
- The agency you work for must certify that its unable to accommodate your disability at your current position and that its considered you for any similar vacation positions at the same grade or pay level that youre qualified for, within the same geographic area.
- You, your guardian or another interested person must apply for FERS disability retirement benefits before you separate from service or within one year following separation from service. The only exception is if you were mentally incompetent on the date of separation or within a one-year window of this date.
- You must apply for Social Security disability benefits.
You dont have to be approved for Social Security disability benefits to get approved for FERS disability retirement benefits. But if you withdraw your Social Security disability benefit application, your FERS disability retirement application is automatically dismissed by the OPM.
Also Check: How To Calculate Retirement Amount
Fers Disability Retirement And Ssdi
If you are a federal or postal worker with a serious medical condition, you may be entitled to FERS Disability Retirement , Social Security Disability Insurance , or both. In fact, if you are applying for FDR, the Office of Personnel Management requires you to apply for SSDI.
But what happens if you are approved for both FDR and SSDI?
The answer can be found on OPMs website:
Disability Benefits For Veterans
You may be eligible for disability benefits if you’re on disability from your service in the Canadian Armed Forces or Merchant Navy.
You may get social assistance payments from:
- your province or territory
- your First Nation
These payments will depend on your household income, savings and investments.
You may also be eligible for health-related benefits from your province or territory. These benefits may include benefits that help cover the cost of:
- medications
- medical aids or devices
Recommended Reading: Average Retirement Income By State
What Is A Social Security Card
Your Social Security card is an important piece of identification. You’ll need one to get a job, collect Social Security, or receive other government benefits.
When you apply for a Social Security number , the Social Security Administration will assign you a nine-digit number. This is the same number that is printed on the Social Security card that SSA will issue you. If you change your name, you will need to get a corrected card.
Social Security Disability Benefits Vs Federal Disability Retirement
How Social Security Disability Benefits Differ from a Federal Disability Retirement
Any Federal worker who becomes disabled after at least 18 months of civil service is eligible for a disability retirement from the federal government. There is often confusion surrounding the differences between Social Security disability benefits and a disability retirement from Federal Service. While disability benefits provided by the Social Security Administration are classified as a total disability benefit, the features of the FERS and CSRS disability retirement are considered occupational. What this means is that you can work in the private sector and simultaneously collect disability retirement, unlike standard social security disability benefits. The new salary cannot be more than 80% of the recipients former pay, however, plus there are other conditions and restrictions.
In October of 2018, the Social Security Administration added more conditions that would qualify a beneficiary for the compassionate allowances program, which creates a fast-track for approval. Five more maladies are now included on the list, which contains serious health issues such as pancreatic cancer, ALS, and Neonatal Adrenoleukodystrophy. Since its inception, more than 500,000 applicants have been approved under the program.
Until Next Time,
Social Security Disability Benefits
Recommended Reading: How Is Social Security Taxed In Retirement
Reinstatement Of Disability Benefit If It Stops
- If your disability benefit stopped because you were found recovered either medically or administratively, your benefit can resume only if the disability recurs and you do not exceed the 80 percent earnings limitation.
- If your disability stopped because you exceeded the earnings limitation, your benefit can resume effective the first of the year after you no longer exceed the 80 percent earnings limit.
How Is Fers Retirement Paid Out
System Benefit In general, your FERS benefit is 1% of your average high-3 pay multiplied by your years and months of service. If you were at least 62 years old at separation and at least 20 years service, your annuity is 1.1% of your average high-3 salary multiplied by your years and months of service.
How are FERS benefits paid?
Upon retirement, FERS will pay you a monthly benefit based on your years of service under FERS, your income and your retirement age. Accordingly, the basic benefit is often called the monthly annuity. For this benefit, you pay 0.8% of your basic pay for each pay period.
How is FERS annuity paid out?
FERS annuities are based on a high average pay-3, which is the highest average basic pay you have earned in any three consecutive years of employment. In general, a high-3 federal employee salary is what they have earned in their last three years of work.
Read Also: Prudential Retirement State Of Ct Phone Number
I’m Receiving A Federal Employees Retirement System Disability Benefit Will My Benefit Ever Change
There are at least two scenarios statutorily that your FERS disability benefit can change.
In many cases your disability retirement is calculated as 60 percent of your high-3 average salary for the first year minus 100 percent of your monthly Social Security benefit in your first year of eligibility, if applicable. Your 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.
At age 62, your disability benefit is recalculated as though you had continued working until age 62. Your average salary is increased by all FERS cost-of-living adjustments paid while you were disabled.
If you’re eligible for an immediate retirement when you apply for disability and are approved, your annuity will be calculated at your earned rate there will not be a recalculation at age 62.
Does A Fers Pension Reduce Social Security
So the answer is no short, your FERS pension is not going to reduce your Social Security. As an FERS employee you can certainly get your full Social Security while receiving your FERS pension.
How does FERS work with Social Security? FERS pensioners receive Social Security benefits and in some cases supplement if they retire under the age of 62. CSRS pensioners may receive benefits if they have worked 40 quarters, 10 years in the private sector. CSRS retirement benefits are reduced by the Wind Elimination Supply .
Don’t Miss: Best Places To Retire Near Raleigh Nc
Is It Better To Retire Early Or Go On Disability
If you are approaching early retirement age and also have become disabled, you may be unsure whether you should take an early retirement or apply for disability until you reach full retirement age.
On the one hand, if you already know you have enough work credits to retire, the processing of starting your retirement benefits will be a lot easier than going through the laborious process of applying for disability.
On the other hand, you may not want to sacrifice the extra monthly benefits you could get if you waited until full retirement or age 70 to begin collecting benefits. If youre not too concerned about your financial stability, opting for early retirement might not seem like a big deal, especially if you have a pension through your employer or other types of retirement accounts like an IRA or 401K.
However, if youre like many Americans, you may need all the help you can get from the Social Security Administration. In this case, its most likely better to get approved for disability benefits rather than take an early retirement and lose out on your hard-earned benefits. While it can be true that getting approved for SSDI can take time, effort, and patience, disability benefits can offer you a kind of flexibility that retirement cantespecially if theres a chance of your disability improving.
Is Fers Contribution Taxed
Much of the pension benefit of a CSRS or FERS federal government worker will be taxable on a federal income tax return. State income tax laws on pension income change. You will get back your previously taxed contributions at no extra tax.
Are FERS contributions tax deferred?
Each pay period deposited by your agency in your account is equal to 1% of the basic pay you earn for the pay period. You can also make your own contributions to your TSP account and your agency will also make a matching contribution. These contributions are tax deferred.
Are FERS contributions pre tax or post tax?
Because employee contributions are after-tax, part of any FERS annuity received is not taxable.
Read Also: Retiring In Mexico Pros And Cons
For Those Annuitants With Supportive Clinical Records And A Medical Condition Still Clearly Incompatible With Performing The Material And Substantial Duties Of Their Previous Federal Job These Opm Reviews Are Straightforward
For those annuitants that have returned to work in the private sector or who have some complications with their medical treatment, the OPM reviews can be nerve-racking, to say the least. Hiring the right lawyer to assist can help smooth the process and maximize the chances of a successful review. This is true even if you didnt need a lawyer to help establish the benefit in the first place, hiring one on review can be critical.
If You Have Been Separated From Federal Service For More Than 31 Days
Your application for disability retirement must be received by OPM within one year after the date of your separation. If you have been separated from Federal service for more than 31 days, your former employing agency may no longer have your personnel records and may not be able to recover them in time to process your disability retirement application and submit it to OPM within the one-year time limit. Therefore, you should submit your application directly to OPM rather than to your agency.
U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementRetirement Operations CenterPost Office Box 45Boyers, PA 16017
- Ask your former supervisor and employing agency to complete SF 3112B, SF 3112D and SF 3112E and give them to you so you can send them to OPM.
- If you think you will not have the completed package in time to meet the one-year time limit, send OPM the completed SF 3107 and SF 3112A, along with the name, address and telephone number of the person you have asked to complete the remaining forms.
Don’t Miss: Jesse Dietz Retirement Planners Of Texas
