Requirements for Federal Government Employee Benefits – Do You Qualify?

Minimum Service Requirement for a federal government civilian disability annuity benefit:

• Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)
• 5 years civilian service
• Must become disabled while serving in a position covered by CSRS
• CSRS Offset – must apply for Social Security disability benefits and submit proof with application to OPM

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS):

• 18 months of civilian service
• Must become disabled while serving in a position covered by FERS
• Must apply for Social Security and submit proof with application to OPM

Criteria for Entitlement for disability annuity as an employee of the federal government Employee must be unable to render useful and efficient service because of disease or injury:

• In current position, or
• Vacant position in the same agency at the same grade or pay level for which qualified for reassignment
• Disabling condition expected to last at least one year.