As a federal employee, if you were unable to work for a month or longer due to an illness or injury that’s not work related, you would have to rely on your paid sick leave to provide income during your recovery.
Keep in mind that a short-term disability is defined as a medical condition that causes you to be unable to perform your job for a period of time up to a year. If your disability is expected to last a year or longer, your only other option is filing for a FERS Disability Retirement.
Use Paid Sick Leave For Short-Term Disability
If you’re a full-time worker, a half-day of sick leave is accrued each pay period. This works out to four hours every two weeks for a total of 13 days (104 hours) every year. After 10 years of federal service, it adds up to six months of paid sick leave to cover you for a short-term disability.
If or when your accumulated sick leave runs out, your agency may provide advanced leave for you. Either 13 days or up to 30 days may be advanced at your agency’s discretion. Of course, when you’re on sick leave, you continue to receive your full salary and benefits under FERS.
“If you don’t want to retire due to a disability, you’re out of luck unless you’ve purchased short-term disability insurance.”
What If You’re Disabled A Year Or Longer?
If your disability continues for a year or longer, and you’re not eligible for an Immediate Retirement under FERS, you may want to consider a FERS Disability Retirement as a last resort. Of course, if you’re younger than 62, the biggest drawback is the reduction of your monthly annuity (pension).
There are specific requirements you must meet to be approved for a Disability Retirement. This includes applying for and receiving Social Security Disability Benefits. If you don’t want to retire due to a disability, you’re out of luck unless you’ve purchased short-term disability insurance.
Short-Term Disability Insurance Can Be Customized For Federal Workers
Until legislation is passed that provides federal employees with Short-Term Disability Insurance at group rates, your other option is purchasing a policy from a private insurer. Many insurance companies offer Short-Term Disability Insurance that can be customized for federal employees. Coverage for temporary disabilities ranges from accidental injuries and surgeries to mental health issues. The cost of premiums will depend on the options and features you choose to include with your policy.
Touch base with an FRC® trained advisor who can help you compare policies available in the private sector to ensure you’re not purchasing too much or too little coverage.
