Benefits Administration Letter
Number: |
07-104 |
Date: October 12, 2007 |
Subject: |
New Nationwide FEDMER procedures
|
In an effort to improve disability claims processing and shorten processing
times, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Social Security Administration
(SSA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to adopt nationwide cooperative
efforts through the Federal Medical Evidence of Record Program (FEDMER).
OPM is responsible for administering the disability benefits program for Federal
employees. SSA is responsible for administering the Social Security Disability
Insurance Program. Under the Federal Employee's Retirement System (FERS)
law, entitlement to Social Security disability benefits affects an individual's
eligibility to the OPM-administered disability program. Under FEDMER,
both OPM and SSA will receive the same medical records at the time of application.
Once a decision is made by either OPM or SSA, they will contact the other
with the determination.
FEDMER Process Description
When a FERS employee files an application for disability retirement, provide
a copy of Attachment 1 "FEDMER Social Security Disability Eligibility Statement"
for completion. The statement asks the employee to provide current SSA
status; informs the applicant about the SSA Adult Disability Starter Kit and
provides information to streamline the process for filing a SSA disability claim.
If the employee checks blocks 1 or 2 on the form (receiving or have already
applied for SSA disability benefits), FEDMER does not apply. The employee
only needs to sign the statement and present proof of filing with SSA.
If block 3 is checked (not filed for SSA disability benefits or filed and have
been denied), provide the employee a photocopy of the medical evidence submitted
in support of the FERS application. The employee will need this second
copy of the medical evidence when the SSA disability application is filed.
Include a copy of the signed FEDMER Eligibility Statement with the FERS disability
package and include a second copy with the medical evidence to be submitted
to SSA.
Attachment 1: FEDMER Social Security
Disability Eligibility Statement [144 KB]
|
Kathleen M. McGettigan
Deputy Associate Director
Center for Retirement and Insurance
Services Program |