Social Security in the United States is a fundamental tool for ensuring stable income for those who can no longer work. It not only protects retirees, but also people who, for health reasons, are forced to leave their jobs suddenly.
A serious injury or disabling illness can be a turning point in any citizen’s life. For federal employees, the impact can be even greater, especially when their job involves physically demanding conditions or high-risk environments.
Fortunately, there are three financial support programs that can be activated in these situations and allow affected workers to maintain a stable standard of living: the OWCP program, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Federal Disability Retirement (FDR). When used together, they offer solid short- and long-term support.
Can I get these benefits on a monthly basis?
Yes, and the best part is that they can complement each other depending on each worker’s situation. These three programs cover different stages and needs, allowing beneficiaries to combine their benefits so they are not left unprotected.
- OWCP (Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs): This benefit kicks in immediately after a work-related injury. It covers the affected worker’s lost wages (about 66% of their annual salary) and medical expenses. It is designed to provide support during the initial phase of disability.
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides long-term monthly income when a person is unable to return to any type of employment due to a medical disability. It is calculated based on Social Security contribution history.
- Federal Disability Retirement (FDR): Exclusive to federal employees. Provides monthly compensation if the worker can no longer perform any of the essential duties of their job, even if they can still perform other tasks in general.
Each serves a different purpose, but together they can be a financial lifeline. According to Harris Federal Employee Firm, knowing how these forms of assistance work together can make all the difference in a time of crisis.
Jeremy lost his income but was able to find stability
Jeremy, a 52-year-old VA nurse with an annual salary of $70,000, suffered a shoulder injury while helping to move a patient. This accident completely changed his working life, but he managed to rebuild his financial stability using the three programs mentioned above.
Jeremy’s case shows that with the right information, it is possible to cope with a disability without losing your way. Here’s how he did it:
- Step 1: OWCP for immediate help
After his injury, Jeremy reported the accident and was approved for OWCP. He got wage replacement payments equal to 66% of his salary ($46,200 per year) and all his medical expenses covered. - Step 2: Thinking about the long term
A year later, with no improvement in his condition, he applied for Federal Disability Retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance, anticipating that he would not be able to return to his previous job. - Step 3: Combining benefits
He was approved for both benefits. In the first year, FDR offered him a total income of $3,400 per month, combining SSDI and FDR payments. Starting in the second year, the total amount decreased, but he continued to get income equal to 40% of his base salary.
The system may seem complex, but the result was clear: Jeremy maintained his income adjusted to his new reality, without being left destitute.