Webinar | How Reasonable Accommodation Affects Federal Disability Retirement

In this webinar, we'll cover all the basics! We'll talk about how to know if you're eligible for Federal Disability Retirement benefits. We'll also discuss what reasonable accommodation is and why it's so important when you're applying for Federal Disability Retirement. Finally, we'll walk through some examples of how reasonable accommodation affects your application process and your eventual determination letter from OPM.
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⏱ Timestamps ⏱
2:05 How Reasonable Accommodation Affects Federal Disability Retirement
2:52 Benefit Highlights
3:15 Monthly Ann
9:32 What is a Reasonable Accommodation
14:30 The Reasonable Accommodation Process
16:20 Valid Reassignment
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[@Verticalpedalgarage]

I’ve been binge watching all of your videos trying to fish it all up. When you say you’ll revive the annual raises do you mean step increases?

[@Austin-gb1cq]

I am under "safe pay", from WL-12/05 to WG-10/00. How would reasonable accommodations work? Would the need to make me a WL-12, WG-10, or could they make me a GS at a higher paygrade?

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Hi Austin - Thanks for the question! This question is very specific to your situation and difficult to answer in this format. Ultimately, it is considered valid as long as you receive the same or more pay. However, there are many more variables at play than just pay. I would suggest calling our office and setting up a free consultation so that we can walk with you through the specifics of your situation. 877-226-2723 Thanks!

[@ruthless6834]

I made a request for reasonable accommodation but was denied. My doctor literally requested for me to be at home due to my conditions. Does that affect my case to move forward?

[@DisabilityRetirement]

A denied reasonable accommodation could support your case for Federal Disability Retirement! A valid reasonable accommodation should not remove any of your job duties, and being at home likely would. This would allow you to still apply for Federal Disability Retirement. Give our office a call at 877-226-2723 so we can learn more about your case!

[@CarlosRodriguez-ox3bg]

Hello, I have a question. I am a Fed employee and work in a production based job. I have issues with concentration and maintaining pace. What sort of reasonable accommodations can I ask for? I cannot ask for a reduction in activity and all of my tasks require concentration. I am able to do the job but have to work well past my 8 hours

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Accommodations for concentration are typically a quiet workplace or providing noise cancelling headphones/earbuds. This basic accommodation may not resolve your issue however, and you may end up qualifying for Federal Disability Retirement if you cannot perform the essential functions of your job. Give our office a call at 877-226-2723 so we can learn more about your situation and provide the best direction possible.

[@CarlosRodriguez-ox3bg]

@@DisabilityRetirement thank you I will give you a call

[@brittanicole92]

Do I have to apply for reasonable accommodation first or can I go straight to filing for disability retirement? Also, if I hand to request reasonable accommodation first can I turn in paperwork for both at the same time?

[@DisabilityRetirement]

You must exhaust all reasonable accommodation efforts with your agency prior to applying for Federal Disability Retirement. One portion of the application for Federal Disability Retirement covers your reasonable accommodation and reassignment efforts, so you must prove in your application that you have already requested accommodation.

[@GB-wp2qv]

Hi..Gm..Im a postal employee injured in the job., both of my shoulders. Im under workers comp but my supervisor and the union are telling me to go on disability...but im a single mom and this situation is so hard. I m in limited duty right now...but I really dont know what to do...thank you

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Hello we are sorry to hear about the situation you are currently in, we know this must be a very difficult time for you, but there are many options available to you. It sounds like you could potentially have a case for Federal Disability Retirement, give our office a call at 877-226-2723 to schedule a FREE consultation to learn how we can help you.

[@DB_pipes]

Since applying for SS disability is a requirement when applying for federal employee disability, do you also offer social security disability guidance/services if we become a client to get approved for federal disability? Kind of a packaging of services from you?

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Hi, this is a great question! When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance it is typically helpful to have a local attorney in your area represent you. Why? Simply put, SSDI claims are handle at the local level and can require local hearings and relationships. We find that it's less helpful to have a national firm like ours involved in those claims. However, if/when you are a client of Harris Federal Law Firm, we can offer some guidance on how to proceed. Where you really want our team involved is at the federal level, when you are making a claim for Federal Disability Retirement or OWCP Federal Workers' Comp. Also remember, to be approved for Federal Disability Retirement you DO NOT have to be approved for SSDI, you just have to prove that you have applied for the benefit. I hope this helps clarify your question. We look forward to helping you in the future!

[@DB_pipes]

@@DisabilityRetirement I am local to your DC office, I will contact you. thanks

[@DisabilityRetirement]

@@DB_pipes Great! We look forward to serving you.

[@brittanicole92]

If I am offered a job through reassignment that meets all of the requirements, would I have to accept it at that point and lose my chance at federal disability retirement? Or could I still turn down the job and apply to federal disability retirement?

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Great question! If you decline a VALID offer of reassignment you will lose your chance at Federal Disability Retirement from your current position. But the criteria is very specific and because of this, it is recommended to have a legal representative look over any job offers to ensure they qualify as a valid.

[@debbie9727]

Hello I work at VA I have had reasonable accommodation since October unfulfilled. I had on the job injury . I am going back to work today. I am trying to make it at least to 62 in one year. I am trying to get them to honor reasonable accommodation.

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Hi Debbie - I'm sorry to hear you're going through such a difficult time. I suggest giving our office a call and seeing what we can do to help: 877-226-2723

[@ruthless6834]

I recently came from a military deployment and suffered multiple injuries(bulging back discs, shoulder, migraines, ptsd)Some of this injuries will prevent me to perform efficiently in my federal civilian job due to the severity of them. In 3 weeks from now I’ll be released from active duty and to report to my civilian job. I have a few questions: 1. Is it possible to file for disability retirement as soon as get back to my civilian work due to the severity of my injuries? 2. Can you request reasonable accommodations after I get discharged from active duty, before show up to my civilian work? 3. Is it preferible to see a Doctor before go to work to get a letter for reasonable accommodation? Thanks in advance

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Hi Ruth, we're very sorry to hear you are suffering so much, and are very thankful for your service. Your questions are, honestly, best suited for a consultation because they are very specific to your situation, but we will try to give a generalized answer here. If you were in a leave status while performing active duty military service, then you can apply as soon as you come back. That's assuming you meet the general requirements. It is generally more helpful to have information from your doctor. You can apply for RA as soon as you get back but likely not until you report for duty. This is also very dependent on how long you were working prior to deployment. We hope this helps answer your question! Please, give us a call and we call walk you through all of your options:. 877-226-2723

[@anthonylockhart9673]

Thank you for your service and I hope you get all the help you need and deserve. I just recently used the Harris Federal Employees Law Firm and they helped me gain my federal disability. They are absolutely the best. No waiting and wondering about anything. They have webnairs that are of a great benefit. Good luck

[@badmed71]

What if your Dr has highly recommended that I take 3 years off due to the severity of my illness ???

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Hi! Sorry to hear that you're in a situation that requires you to be out of work for 3 years. But good news, that diagnosis is a great start to applying for Federal Disability Retirement. Let us know if we can help: www.federaldisability.com/schedule-now/

[@angledog00]

Hi Me again :). VA is giving me a formal offer of human resource GS7 (I have no training/education) from my current GS12 (extensive training in mental health). How do I decline this offer without jeopardizing my disabilty package that has been with OPM for a month now. This is very stressful.

[@angledog00]

I also have a consultation appt scheduled with you. I have to give them my answer within 12 days.

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Welcome back, Kim! I'm sorry to hear this is so stressful, but you're not alone. We help people like you everyday. This is a really great question, but unfortunately we can't get into those kinds of specifics here. They will be able to walk through all of those questions with you in your consultation. Thanks!

[@angledog00]

I have been offered a RA for a GS7 and I am a GS12. I am so confused.

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Hi Kim - It's very understandable to be confused in this situation. We're talking about RA in context of Federal Disability Retirement, so if you are not offered a RA at your same pay and grade level then you would likely qualify for Federal Disability Retirement. Give our office a call and we can walk you through your options: 877-226-2723

[@angledog00]

@@DisabilityRetirement thank you! I called and have an appt :)

[@MrMC-xg8qp]

How and when should I inform my manager that I'm applying for disability retirement?

[@DisabilityRetirement]

You should be in communication with your agency throughout the entire process. Since you must request a reasonable accommodation, your manager should be aware of your disabling condition and how it is affecting your job. Because of this, your manager should be expecting you to take the next step of applying for Federal Disability Retirement if you cannot be accommodated. We have seen agencies unsupportive of an employees decision to take Federal Disability Retirement, however, which is why it is recommend to have legal representation to support you throughout this journey.

[@MrMC-xg8qp]

@Harris Federal Employee Law Firm Thanks, my manager is aware that I am 100% disabled veteran permanent & total but, He doesn't know exactly what it's for or housebound, which is what it states on my decision letter. Do I need to provide him with a copy of my letter showing my disabilities? I have an appt. with Harris tomorrow.

[@DisabilityRetirement]

It may not be necessary to disclose your disabling conditions to your supervisor if they are aware of your restrictions. Our consultation specialists will provide you with more guidance during your phone call! The OPM will inform your agency if you are approved for Federal Disability Retirement and they will work to separate you.

[@Cali_Girl1]

Hi. One of my single-family home rental properties is located in L.A. County, CA. built in 1992. Due to increased property taxes, insurance and minor repairs, I issued a 30 Day Notice for a rent increase of $157 (9.9%) to my Disabled Tenant. He has resided in the property for 18 years. He is a good Tenant, and always pays on time, and takes care of the property. He has requested that I grant him an additional 90 Days before increasing the rent, due to his low fixed SSDI income, and increased costs he's incurred resulting from inflation and high winter utility bills. I raised the rent $118 last year, and He says that he needs additional time to adjust his finances to accommodate this years rent increase. Under "Reasonable Accommodation" Laws, do I have to comply with his additional 90 Day request, (which totals 120 Days Notice), or can I grant him an additional 30 Days, and be in compliance with ADA, HUD and Fair Housing "Reasonable Accommodation" Laws? Thank You.

[@DisabilityRetirement]

Unfortunately, this is not something we can assist you with. You can try reaching out to a property attorney in your area!