Agency Removal for Medical Inability and FERS Disability Retirement
If your federal agency separates you for medical inability, the Bruner presumption shifts the burden of production to OPM. Learn how removal affects your disability claim.
Blog
Alternatives to NARFE Membership for Federal Retiree Death Benefit Guidance
Alternatives to paying $48/year for NARFE when you need federal retiree death benefit guidance now — OPM, claims guides, and free resources compared.
Best Federal Retiree Death Benefit Resource for a Surviving Spouse Handling Claims Alone
The best resource for a surviving spouse filing OPM survivor annuity, FEGLI, TSP, and health coverage claims alone after a federal retiree's death.
Best Federal Retiree Death Claims Resource for Adult Children Managing a Parent's Estate
The best resource for adult children filing OPM survivor annuity, FEGLI, TSP, and health coverage claims after a federal retiree parent dies.
Best FERS Disability Appeal Guide for Pro Se Filers
What to look for in a FERS disability appeal guide when you're filing without an attorney — templates, case law citations, and the evidence framework that matters.
Best FERS Disability Appeal Resource for Postal Employees
Why postal workers appealing an OPM disability denial need PSHB-specific guidance — and what to look for in a FERS disability appeal resource.
Bruner Presumption FERS Disability: How Agency Removal Shifts the Burden to OPM
If your agency removed you for medical inability, the Bruner presumption shifts the burden of production to OPM. Here's how it works and how to invoke it.
Certified Mail for OPM Disability Retirement: Protecting Your Filing Deadlines
OPM's 30-day reconsideration deadline requires proof of receipt, not just a postmark. Learn why certified mail matters and what to do if time is running out.
CSA Number OPM: What It Is and How to Find Your Federal Retirement Claim Number
Your CSA number is OPM's claim number for your federal retirement account. Here's where to find it, what it's used for, and why survivors need it immediately.
CSRS Lump Sum Death Benefit: What Survivors Receive
How the CSRS lump sum death benefit works — who gets the unexpended retirement deductions, the order of precedence, and how to claim it through OPM.
CSRS Survivor Annuity Application: How to File SF 2800
Step-by-step instructions for filing SF 2800 to claim a CSRS survivor annuity — eligibility, required documents, and the 55% benefit calculation.
Documents Needed for an OPM Survivor Claim
The exact documents OPM requires to process a survivor annuity claim — certified certificates, court orders, and common mistakes that cause delays.
Federal Pension Overpayment After Death: How to Avoid OPM Debt
When a federal retiree dies, Treasury reclaims pension payments deposited after the death. Here's how the overpayment process works, how to protect joint accounts, and how to dispute OPM debt notices.
Free OPM, TSP, and SSA Resources vs. a Federal Retiree Death Claims Guide: What's the Difference?
Compare free government resources from OPM, TSP, and SSA with a unified federal retiree death claims guide — what each covers and what each misses.
Federal Retiree Death Claims Guide vs. Estate Attorney: Which Do You Actually Need?
Compare a federal retiree death claims guide with hiring an estate attorney ($1,500+) for OPM survivor annuity, FEGLI, TSP, and Social Security claims.
FEHB Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) During Disability Retirement Appeals
Separated federal employees can continue FEHB health insurance for 18 months through TCC while their FERS disability retirement appeal is pending.
FEHB Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) After a Federal Retiree's Death
When a federal retiree dies without a survivor annuity, FEHB ends — but TCC gives the surviving spouse 36 months of continued coverage. Eligibility, cost, and how to enroll.
What Happens to FEHB When a Federal Retiree Dies
How FEHB health insurance works after a federal retiree dies — survivor continuation rules, the Self Plus One requirement, and TCC if no survivor annuity is payable.
FERS Death Benefit Lump Sum: How Much the Surviving Spouse Receives
The FERS Basic Employee Death Benefit pays a lump sum to the surviving spouse on top of the survivor annuity. Here's how the amount is calculated, who qualifies, and when it applies.
FERS Disability Appeal While Separated: Filing After Leaving Federal Service
Appealing a FERS disability denial after separating from federal service? Here's how filing works without agency support, plus health insurance options.
FERS Disability Retirement Burden of Proof: What OPM Requires You to Show
Learn what applicants must show to qualify for FERS disability retirement, the MSPB preponderance standard, and how the burden shifts under Bruner.
FERS Disability Retirement Deficiency of Service and Causal Connection Explained
OPM requires proof that your condition causes a service deficiency and a causal connection to your duties. Learn what these elements mean and how to prove them after a denial.
FERS Disability Retirement Denied Twice: Your Options After OPM Reconsideration Fails
OPM denied your FERS disability retirement at both initial review and reconsideration. Here are the three paths forward and the deadlines for each.
FERS Disability Retirement Evidence Checklist and Timeline Chart
A step-by-step evidence checklist and timeline chart for FERS disability retirement applications and appeals. Know exactly what documentation you need and when each deadline hits.
FERS Disability Appeal Guide vs Federal Disability Lawyer: Which One Do You Need?
Comparing a FERS disability appeal guide against a $5,000–$15,000 attorney retainer — what each covers, when you need both, and when the guide is enough.
FERS Disability Reconsideration Letter: What to Write and How to Structure It
Your OPM reconsideration letter must address every denial finding with targeted evidence. Here's how to structure it and what to include.
FERS Disability Retirement for Back Injury: What OPM Requires
Back injuries are one of the most common FERS disability retirement conditions. Learn what evidence OPM needs, why claims get denied, and how to build a successful application or appeal.
FERS Disability Retirement for Chronic Pain: Building a Claim OPM Will Approve
Chronic pain conditions qualify for FERS disability retirement, but OPM often denies claims for 'subjective' symptoms. Learn how to build evidence that meets the legal standard.
FERS Disability Retirement Denied for Depression and Anxiety: How to Respond
OPM denied your FERS disability retirement for depression or anxiety. Learn what evidence to gather and how Garland v. OPM applies when the Bruner presumption is involved.
Federal Disability Retirement vs SSDI: Key Differences Explained
FERS disability retirement and SSDI use different standards, different agencies, and different offsets. Learn how the two programs interact and why one approval doesn't guarantee the other.
FERS Survivor Annuity 50 Percent: Eligibility and How to Apply
How the FERS 50% survivor annuity works — eligibility rules, the 9-month marriage requirement, and filing SF 3104 to claim the benefit after a retiree's death.
Former Spouse Federal Survivor Annuity: COAP Rules Under 5 CFR Part 838
How a divorced former spouse claims a federal survivor annuity through a Court Order Acceptable for Processing — COAP requirements, OPM submission, and competing claims.
Garland v OPM Disability Retirement: What the 2026 Federal Circuit Ruling Means for Your Appeal
The Federal Circuit's Garland v OPM ruling limits how OPM can rebut the Bruner presumption using a lack of objective medical evidence. Here's what changed.
How to Apply for Social Security Survivor Benefits
Step-by-step instructions for applying for Social Security survivor benefits — who qualifies, what documents you need, and how the process works after the GPO repeal.
How to File Federal Retiree Survivor Claims Across OPM, FEGLI, TSP, and SSA Without a Financial Adviser
Step-by-step guide to filing all federal retiree death claims yourself — OPM survivor annuity, FEGLI, TSP, Social Security, and health coverage without an adviser.
How to File an MSPB Appeal for FERS Disability Retirement
After OPM denies your reconsideration, you can appeal to the MSPB. Here's the filing process, deadline, and what to expect from the e-Appeal portal.
How to Report a Federal Retiree Death to OPM
Step-by-step guide to reporting a federal annuitant's death to OPM — online, by phone, or by mail — and what happens after you notify them.
MSPB Appeal Deadline: 30 Days to File After OPM Disability Denial
The MSPB appeal deadline is 30 calendar days from OPM's final reconsideration decision. Learn how the clock works and what happens if you miss it.
MSPB Appeal Without a Lawyer: Representing Yourself in a Disability Retirement Case
Federal law allows pro se MSPB appeals. Here's when self-representation works, when it doesn't, and how to prepare your disability case without counsel.
MSPB Discovery in Disability Retirement Appeals: What You Can Request
MSPB discovery lets you request OPM's documents, send interrogatories, and depose their medical consultant. Learn how discovery works in a FERS disability appeal.
How to File an MSPB e-Appeal Online for Disability Retirement
Step-by-step guide to using the MSPB e-Appeal Online portal to file your FERS disability retirement appeal after OPM denies reconsideration.
MSPB Federal Circuit Appeal: Taking Your Disability Case to Court
How to appeal an MSPB disability retirement decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit — deadlines, standards of review, and what to expect.
MSPB Hearing What to Expect: Disability Retirement Appeal Preparation
Preparing for an MSPB hearing on your FERS disability appeal? Here's how the hearing works, what the Administrative Judge does, and how to prepare.
MSPB Initial Decision in Disability Retirement Appeals: What Happens Next
The MSPB Administrative Judge issued an Initial Decision on your FERS disability appeal. Learn what the decision means, the 35-day PFR deadline, and your options if you lost.
Petition for Review MSPB Disability Retirement: After an Unfavorable Initial Decision
Lost your MSPB initial decision? A Petition for Review asks the full Board to reconsider. Here's the deadline, standards, and what the current Board looks like.
MSPB Pre-Hearing Conference in Disability Retirement Appeals
What happens at the MSPB pre-hearing conference in a FERS disability retirement appeal. Learn how the Administrative Judge narrows issues, sets deadlines, and explores settlement.
New Medical Evidence for FERS Disability Reconsideration: What OPM Needs to See
OPM denied your disability claim for insufficient evidence. Here's what new medical documentation to gather and how to structure it for reconsideration.
How to Get a Nexus Letter After an OPM Disability Denial
A physician nexus letter is the most important piece of evidence for your FERS disability reconsideration. Here's how to get one that addresses OPM's objections.
OPM Boyers Disability Retirement: What Happens at the Processing Center
OPM's Retirement Operations Center in Boyers, PA processes every FERS disability claim. Learn how the facility works and what it means for your timeline.
How to Request Your OPM Disability Retirement Claim File
Request your complete OPM claim file to see exactly what evidence the medical officer reviewed and why your FERS disability retirement was denied. Here's how.
OPM Disability Denial: Accommodation Impossible Not Proven
OPM denied your disability retirement because the agency didn't prove accommodation was impossible. Learn how to fix this documentation gap in your reconsideration request.
OPM Disability Denial: What to Do in the First 48 Hours
The exact steps to take in the first two days after receiving an OPM disability retirement denial — before the 30-day reconsideration clock runs out.
OPM Disability Denial Letter Explained: What Each Section Actually Means
Your OPM disability denial letter uses standardized legal phrases. Here's a line-by-line translation and what each finding means for your reconsideration.
OPM Disability Denial for Lack of Objective Evidence: How to Respond
OPM denied your disability retirement for 'lack of objective evidence' or 'insufficient clinical documentation.' Learn how Garland v. OPM applies when the Bruner presumption is involved.
Why OPM Denies FERS Disability Retirement: The 5 Reasons and How to Fix Each One
OPM denies FERS disability claims for five specific regulatory reasons. Learn what they are, why they trigger denials, and what to do about each one.
OPM Medical Officer Disability Denial: Why It Happens and How to Respond
Learn why OPM's medical officers deny FERS disability claims for lack of objective evidence and how Garland v. OPM changes your reconsideration strategy.
Can You Reapply for FERS Disability Retirement After an OPM Denial?
Yes — if you're within one year of separation. Learn the difference between reapplying for FERS disability and appealing your OPM denial through reconsideration.
How to Write an OPM Reconsideration Brief for Disability Retirement
A step-by-step guide to structuring your OPM disability retirement reconsideration brief — what to include, how to address denial findings, and legal citations.
How Long Does FERS Disability Reconsideration Take at OPM?
OPM reconsideration for FERS disability retirement averages 6 to 9 months. Here's what drives the timeline and what to do if OPM takes too long.
OPM Reconsideration Template vs Attorney-Drafted Brief: What Gets Results?
Comparing a structured OPM reconsideration template against a custom attorney-drafted brief — what each includes, how OPM reviews them, and which fits your denial.
OPM Survivor Annuity Timeline: How Long Processing Takes
How long OPM takes to process a survivor annuity claim — from Quick Pay interim payments to full adjudication — and what to do while you wait.
OPM Survivor Benefits: What a Surviving Spouse Actually Receives
How OPM survivor benefits work for a federal retiree's widow or widower — annuity rates, eligibility, and the claims process under FERS and CSRS.
PSHB Coverage for Postal Survivors After a Retiree's Death
How the Postal Service Health Benefits program handles surviving spouses when a postal retiree dies — Medicare Part B requirements, FEHB vs PSHB differences, and continuation rules.
PSHB and Disability Retirement: Health Benefits for Postal Workers
Postal employees applying for FERS disability retirement face unique health coverage rules under PSHB, including mandatory Medicare Part B enrollment.
Retiree Elected No Survivor Annuity: What Happens to the Spouse
What happens when a federal retiree chose zero survivor annuity — the impact on pension, health insurance, and the surviving spouse's options.
Settling a Federal Retiree's Estate: What the Executor Needs to Know
A guide for estate executors settling a deceased federal retiree's affairs — OPM claims, TSP distribution, tax filings, and how federal benefits interact with the probate process.
How to Update Your SF 3112 for OPM Disability Reconsideration
Step-by-step guide to updating SF 3112A, 3112C, and 3112D forms when preparing your FERS disability retirement reconsideration after an OPM denial.
Social Security Survivor Benefits for Federal Retirees After GPO Repeal
How federal retirees' surviving spouses claim Social Security survivor benefits now that the GPO and WEP are repealed — what changed, who must file, and how it interacts with OPM.
SSDI Approval and FERS Disability Appeal: How Social Security Evidence Strengthens Your OPM Case
An SSDI approval is persuasive evidence in your FERS disability appeal, but it doesn't guarantee OPM approval. Here's how to use it and avoid common traps.
Using SSDI Evidence in Your FERS Disability Appeal
An SSDI approval is persuasive evidence for your FERS disability reconsideration. Learn how to submit it to OPM and the MSPB under the Trevan precedent.
OPM Survivor Annuity Retroactive Payment: Back Pay and Processing Timeline
OPM pays survivor annuity benefits retroactively to the date of death. Here's how the back pay works, how long it takes, and what interim payments cover the gap.
Survivor Annuity Taxes: Federal and State Rules for OPM Benefits
How federal survivor annuity payments are taxed — the IRS Publication 721 simplified method, state exemptions, and setting up W-4P withholding with OPM.
Treasury Reclamation of Federal Pension Payments After Death
How Treasury reclaims pension payments deposited after a federal retiree dies — the 31 CFR Part 210 process, joint account freezes, and how survivors should respond.
TSP Death Claim: Surviving Spouse Options, Form TSP-17, and Rollover Rules
How to claim TSP death benefits as a surviving spouse — the Beneficiary Participant Account, rollover to an IRA, tax rules, and what non-spouse beneficiaries need to know.
What Happens to a Federal Pension When a Spouse Dies
What happens to a FERS or CSRS pension after the retiree dies — survivor annuity, Treasury reclamation, and what the surviving spouse should do first.
What to Do When a Federal Retiree Dies
The first steps after a federal retiree dies — reporting the death, protecting bank accounts from Treasury clawbacks, and filing survivor claims with OPM.
Agency HR vs. Claims Guide: What Actually Handles Federal Employee Death Benefits?
Agency HR submits SF 2821 but doesn't file your personal claims. Compare what HR does vs. what a claims guide covers for FERS, FEGLI, TSP, and Social Security.
Alternatives to Piecing Together OPM, TSP, and SSA Websites for Federal Death Claims
Tired of jumping between OPM.gov, TSP.gov, and SSA.gov to file death benefit claims? Compare alternatives that unify the federal death claims process.
Best Federal Death Benefit Resource for a Surviving Spouse Handling Claims Alone
The best resource for a surviving spouse filing FERS death benefits, FEGLI, TSP, and OPM claims alone — compared by cost, coverage, and filing support.
Federal Death Benefit Claims Guide vs. Estate Attorney: Which Do You Need?
Compare a $29 federal death claims guide with hiring an estate attorney ($1,500+) for FERS survivor benefits, FEGLI, TSP, and OPM claims after a death in service.
Federal Employee Death Benefits: Every Claim Channel Survivors Need to File
When a federal employee dies in service, survivors file claims with six separate agencies. Here's what each one pays, which forms to use, and the order that matters.
Federal Employee Death Notification to Agency: What to Report and When
How to notify a federal agency when an employee dies, what the agency does with the report, and why this step triggers every other benefit claim.
Federal Employee Funeral Expenses: What Benefits Cover Burial Costs
What federal programs help pay funeral and burial costs when a federal employee dies, including OWCP burial allowance, PSOB, Social Security, and VA benefits.
FEGLI Death Claim Process: How to File Form FE-6 and Get Paid
Step-by-step guide to filing a FEGLI death claim using Form FE-6, including where to send it, what documentation you need, and how fast OFEGLI pays.
FEGLI Life Insurance Death Benefit: How Much Your Family Receives
FEGLI death benefit amounts depend on coverage tier, age, and whether the death was accidental. Here's how Basic, Option A, Option B, and Option C payouts work.
FEGLI Order of Precedence: Who Gets the Payout When There's No Beneficiary Designation
If a federal employee dies without filing SF 2823, FEGLI pays under the statutory order of precedence. Here's how 5 U.S.C. § 8705 works and what it means for your family.
FEHB Health Coverage After a Federal Employee Dies
How surviving spouses and children keep Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage after a death in service, including the 18-month rule and TCC.
FEHB Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) After a Federal Employee Dies
FEHB TCC lets surviving family members keep health coverage for up to 36 months at 102% of premium when they don't qualify for permanent continuation. Here's how it works.
FERS Basic Employee Death Benefit (BEDB): Amount, Eligibility, and Payment Options
The FERS BEDB pays 50% of final salary plus $43,800.53 to surviving spouses. Here's who qualifies, how the lump sum vs. installments work, and the tax treatment.
FERS Child Survivor Annuity: Eligibility, 2026 Rates, and the Social Security Offset
How FERS child survivor annuities work after a federal employee dies, including 2026 monthly rates, the Social Security dollar-for-dollar offset, and why you still need to file.
FERS Contribution Refund After Death: What Happens Under 18 Months of Service
When a federal employee dies with fewer than 18 months of service, survivors receive a refund of FERS retirement contributions instead of the BEDB or survivor annuity.
What Happens to FERS Benefits If a Federal Employee Dies with Under 18 Months of Service
If a federal employee dies with fewer than 18 months of creditable service, there's no FERS death benefit or survivor annuity. Here's what the family still receives.
Former Spouse FERS Death Benefit: What Divorced Spouses Can Claim
How former spouses claim a share of FERS death benefits after a federal employee dies, including COAP requirements, BEDB eligibility, and FEGLI proceeds.
How to File Federal Employee Death Claims Without a Financial Adviser
Step-by-step guide to filing FERS death benefits, FEGLI, TSP, and Social Security survivor claims yourself — no financial adviser or attorney needed.
MetLife FEGLI Claim: How OFEGLI Processes Federal Life Insurance Payouts
How to file a FEGLI life insurance claim through OFEGLI (MetLife), what documentation is required, and what to expect from the payment timeline.
OPM Death Claim Processing Time: How Long Survivor Benefits Take
Current OPM processing times for federal death claims, why survivor benefit payments get delayed, and how to avoid the most common holdups.
OWCP Death Benefits: FECA Compensation When a Federal Employee Dies on Duty
If a federal employee dies from a work-related injury or illness, OWCP pays tax-free FECA death benefits. Here's who qualifies, what Form CA-5 requires, and the election between OWCP and OPM.
PSHB Surviving Spouse: Postal Service Health Benefits After Death
How surviving spouses of USPS employees keep health coverage under PSHB, including the Medicare Part B requirement and key differences from FEHB.
SF 1153: How to Claim Unpaid Compensation After a Federal Employee Dies
SF 1153 claims the deceased federal employee's final paycheck, accrued annual leave, and other unpaid compensation. Here's how to file it, who's eligible, and how SF 1152 fits in.
SF 2821: The Agency Certification Form That Controls Your FEGLI Claim
OPM Form SF 2821 certifies a deceased federal employee's FEGLI coverage and salary. Without it, OFEGLI cannot process the life insurance payout. Here's what it is and how to make sure it gets filed.