When a FERS employee files for FERS disability, the employee is responsible for obtaining
the medical evidence of record (MER) needed to process the FERS disability claim.
The federal employee, covered under FERS, files for FERS disability and completes
the FEDMER Social Security Disability Eligibility Statement.
This statement provides the FERS disability applicant with basic instructions for
initiating the Social Security disability application process.
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1.
If the employee checks block #1 (receiving Social Security disability benefits) or
block #2 (filed for Social Security disability benefits), the FEDMER process does
not apply. The FERS employee only needs to sign the statement and present proof of
filing with SSA to the agency personnel office.
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2.
If the employee checks block #3 (not filed for Social Security disability benefits,
or filed and we denied the claim), the FEDMER process does apply and the FERS employee
begins the Social Security disability claims process by:
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•
using the internet link shown on the FEDMER Eligibility Statement to complete the
iClaim application and i3368 (Internet Adult Disability Report); or
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•
contacting the Social Security toll free 800 number or the local field office to request
an appointment to file for Social Security disability benefits.
IMPORTANT: The FERS employee must submit a copy of the FEDMER eligibility statement and a copy
of the MER to SSA when filing the SSA disability application. The applicant will provide
his or her agency personnel office with a copy of the receipt for the Social Security
disability claim.
Agency personnel offices must provide employees covered by the FEDMER process with
a copy of the MER submitted with the FERS application.
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•
Social Security will send a copy of the disability determination notice to OPM.