How to Apply for Early Medical Retirement From the Government
Having to quit work because you have been injured or have a disability is never a good prospect. To make matters worse, you have to deal with the messy process of appealing to the government for early medical retirement. While the process itself can vary depending on your situation, the following is a basic step-by-step to help you get started.
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Instructions
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Find out if you fit the requirements for early medical retirement. Typically, you must at least have received an injury or disease that is impeding your earning potential. The government also requires that this disability will last for more than 1 year. Furthermore, the agency you work for must have exhausted all means to accommodate your disability--i.e. tried placing you in other positions with similar earning potential or granted you special access. If you have already quit your job, you have 1 year from your last day to apply for disability.
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Complete your Documentation in Support of Disability Retirement (SF 3112), and your Application for Immediate Retirement (SF 2801) forms. These forms can be found at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website (see Resources below). If you are still employed or just recently left your job, your company may be able to help you fill out these forms.
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Submit medical documentation of your disability that proves your ability to do your job was affected. After you have done this, you are recommended to continue treatment for your disability in order to have documentation that the disability is ongoing.
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Appeal your claim if it is denied. This is another type of process, but in many cases denied claims have been granted via an appeal.
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Find representation. The process of filing for early medical retirement can be tricky if you aren't knowledgeable on the subject. Some companies will even represent you for free until you receive the money from your claim. While paying a professional may seem like you are losing money, doing so can usually help you receive a larger payment. This scenario will have a better payoff in the long run.
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