Last Updated on October 19, 2018
A good indicator that an individual is on OWCP Disability, and not on OPM (Office of Personnel Management) Disability, is that the Federal or Postal employee did nothing other than to file a “CA” form. Further, OWCP Disability is granted for occupational diseases, or for injuries sustained while “on the job”. Another indicator (an important one) is that, in order to file for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS, multiple forms must be filled out, including: Application for Immediate Retirement; Applicant’s Statement of Disability; a Supervisor’s Statement; and multiple other forms.
The term “disability” is often thrown about in confusing ways, such that a person who is on “disability pay” or “on disability” may think that one has filed for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS. The confusion is an important one to recognize, because a person who is eligible and entitled to file for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS must do so either while a Federal or Postal employee, or within 1 year of being separated from Federal Service. If a Federal or Postal employee fails to file within the statutory timeframe, he or she will lose this benefit forever. That is why it is important to make a distinction between “OWCP Disability” and “OPM Disability”, precisely because while one is on OWCP Disability, one should also probably be considering filing for OPM Disability Retirement benefits at some point.
Sincerely,
Robert R. McGill, Esquire
I am totally disabled. I have been receiving .6667 OWCP since Nov. 16 1989. I currently am 60 with failing health due to the injury’s. Plus two total hips along with 2 heart stents. As a CSRS person what is the best options for me regarding retirement. (XXX)XXX-XXX
coming up on the end of adm. leave about to go in a non-pay status because of nrp with the us post office. what should be the next step?
I am totally disabled. I suffered job related injuries and I have been receiving benefits, OWCP, since February 1986. In 2002, I experienced over 65 seizures and was hospitalized more than four days before they ceased. Shortly after the seizures’ I was diagnose with angina. I am 70 years old with failing health due to head trauma,seizures and other disabilities due to the injury. Since I cound’nt get through to OPM, as a CSRS person, what is the best options for me regarding retirement?