When Your Agency Won't Accommodate: Navigating the Reassignment Requirement
TFDR Editorial ·
The Accommodation and Reassignment Standard
One of the eligibility requirements for FERS disability retirement is that your agency must be unable to accommodate your medical condition in your current position or reassign you to a vacant position at the same grade and pay level for which you are qualified.
What Counts as Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation can include modified work schedules, telework arrangements, assistive technology, modified duties, or physical workspace changes. If your agency can make accommodations that allow you to perform the essential functions of your position, your disability retirement application may be denied.
The Reassignment Search
Your agency is required to search for vacant positions at the same grade and pay level that you could perform given your medical limitations. This search should be documented on the SF 3112-2 (Supervisor's Statement). If no suitable positions exist, this strengthens your application.
Common Agency Issues
Some federal employees encounter resistance from their agencies during this process:
- Agencies that delay processing paperwork
- Supervisors who refuse to complete the SF 3112-2 accurately
- HR offices unfamiliar with the disability retirement process
- Agencies that offer inadequate accommodations and claim the issue is resolved
Documenting Agency Failures
Keep detailed records of every accommodation request, every response (or lack thereof), and every interaction with your agency regarding your condition. If your agency fails to engage in the interactive process or provides inadequate accommodations, this documentation supports your claim.
Your Rights
Remember that you have the right to file for disability retirement regardless of your agency's cooperation. While the process is smoother with agency support, you can still pursue your application even if your agency is uncooperative. OPM evaluates the medical evidence independently.