I am a Certified Employee Benefits Counselor, CEBS and was a Federal Employee for twenty years in Human Resources preparing and processing Disability Retirement cases, the last four years of my career I managed the Retirement and Benefit Branch. I specialize in Federal Disability Retirements under CSRS and FERS, I have been successful at all levels of the Disability Retirement Application process -- from the initial submission of the applications; to the Second Stage of appeal -- the "Request for Reconsideration" Stage; to the final stage of appeal, before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
Federal Disability Retirement is a benefit granted to all Federal Employees who meet the criteria of Disability, however, it does not mean that you must be completely physically incapacitated; rather, it means that you are no longer able to provide effective service in the essential elements of your job. If you are incapable of performing the duties of your normal job assignment, you may want to consider Applying for Disability Retirement and leave your service position with Federal Disability Retirement Benefits. Your disability does not have to be from a work related issue or injury.
While the minimum you will receive regardless of retirement system is 40% of your salary (high-3) with a maximum benefit for CSRS retirees of 80%, you are allowed to get a job anywhere in the private sector to help supplement your income, no matter if you are a CSRS or FERS Retirement Eligible employee. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) carefully reviews all applications for Federal Disability Retirement. It is a benefit which should be looked at as an entitlement.
While no one is forced to hire a Federal Attorney and or Counselor specializing in Disability Retirement Benefits, there are obstacles that can be difficult to navigate without professional help. Consequently, if any Federal employee is contemplating filing for Disability Retirement, he or she should contact me for a free consulatation to find out how I can help you at 240-315-6016. You may also E-mail me at wjcottrell@federaldisabilitycounseling.com.
Warm Regards,
Wendy J. Cottrell, CEBS
