Below are questions submitted by readers to Federal Times columnist Reg Jones, a founding member of the Senior Executive Service and an expert on federal employee retirement issues.
a Fed Times reader asks.
“I’ve worked for the TSA for a year and a half and have an injury that qualifies me for a medical retirement disability pension. I’m 72 years old.”
If I am 62 when I retire on disability, I would base the calculation on normal retirement. My HR department says I can’t use that formula because I haven’t worked there for 5 years.
Before you make the decision to choose a medical disability pension, you need to know if it is worth it. How do I know how much I will receive so I know whether to choose that route?
Reg’s response:
Your agency is correct.
Because you are over age 62, you are not eligible for FERS disability benefits.
Also, because you have less than five years of certified service under FERS, you are not eligible for regular retirement. Your only option is to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.
To learn more about this benefit and how to apply, visit ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html?mf_ct_campaign=aol-synd-feedD.
Have a question for Federal Times experts? Send your inquiry to [email protected].
Reg Jones, a founding member of Senior Executive Services, is our resident expert on retirement and the federal government. From 1979 to 1995, he served as Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel Management, responsible for such issues as hiring and testing, white- and blue-collar pay, retirement, and insurance. Opinions expressed are his own.