Five starting questions, not a complete eligibility test
These questions help organize an initial application. They do not establish that you qualify. OPM considers medical, service, accommodation, reassignment, timing, and Social Security requirements together.
1. Are you covered under FERS?
Check your personnel records and ask HR to confirm retirement coverage. CSRS has different disability provisions. Do not assume military service alone establishes FERS civilian-service eligibility.
2. Do you have at least 18 months of creditable civilian service?
Verify the creditable service total with HR. This is a FERS requirement, not merely 18 months since your first day at a federal worksite.
3. What is your filing deadline?
You may apply while employed or ordinarily within one year after separation. Use the effective separation date on your SF-50. The mental-incompetency waiver is narrow. Current employees begin ORA through HR; former employees use ORA directly. Save proof of submission.
4. What happened with accommodation and reassignment?
The agency must address accommodation in your position and consideration of qualifying vacancies. A qualifying reassignment involves the same agency, same grade or pay level and tenure, the same commuting area, and work for which you are qualified. Declining such an offer can affect eligibility. Ask for the written offer and obtain advice before treating every proposed position as disqualifying.
5. Are you filing an initial application or responding to a decision?
This determines the process, not eligibility. Reconsideration and MSPB appeals have distinct deadlines. Review the decision immediately and consider qualified representation; TFDR does not handle those stages.
What still must be established
The record must show a disabling condition arising during FERS-covered employment that is expected to continue for at least one year from filing and prevents useful and efficient service. That includes performance, conduct, and attendance, or incompatibility with service or retention even without a recorded deficiency. Address the Social Security disability application requirement as well. Use the complete OPM requirements, not this five-question planning list, as your eligibility reference.