Why do I need to apply for disability benefits through SSA?
	The law requires OPM to offset your FERS disability benefit by your SSA disability benefit until you reach age 62. Therefore, when you apply for FERS disability benefits with OPM, you also must apply for Social Security benefits. OPM has to know as soon as possible if Social Security has approved your application so that it can adjust your FERS annuity and reduce the possibility of your being overpaid. (OPM will bill you if it overpays you.) For additional information on the relationship between these two benefits, see Information for FERS Disability Annuitants.
	How do I know that I am eligible to participate in FEDMER?
	You are eligible if you are working under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and are a resident of one of the following: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, or West Virginia.
	My servicing personnel office is outside the FEDMER geographic area. Can I still participate in FEDMER?
	Yes, we encourage all Human Resource centers to participate as long as the employee being serviced lives in the FEDMER geographic pilot area. The FEDMER pilot area is Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, or West Virginia.
	How do I find out if my agency is participating in the pilot?
	All agencies are eligible to participate in the pilot; however, not every agency is currently participating. Contact your servicing personnel office to find out if your agency is participating in FEDMER. If they are currently not participating, but wish to, they should contact OPM.
	I am very interested in participating in FEDMER, but I don't know how to start.
	If you are employed under FERS and live in the FEDMER pilot area (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia), the first thing you need to do is contact your local personnel office. They will provide you with all the necessary information and required forms. Your agency will guide you through the entire FEDMER process. However, if you would like to begin the process on your own, you will find all the required forms and information on this web site.
	I sign so many papers, why do I need to sign up to apply through FEDMER?
	Your signature authorizes OPM and SSA to exchange information.
	I don't feel that it is necessary to sign the Statement of Participation. Can I still participate in FEDMER?
	No, you may not participate in FEDMER. If you decide not to participate in FEDMER, you must apply for benefits at both your personnel office and at your local Social Security office. Also keep in mind that you must use the current process, which means that OPM and SSA may not share any medical evidence.
	The Statement of Participation (SOP) asks for the "Alleged Onset Date OR Date Applicant Submitted to Agency" -- what exactly does this mean?
	If you know the exact date of when your disability began, use that date, otherwise, use date that you give your application to your agency.
	I'm using sick leave. I was told that SSA will deny my application as long as I'm receiving any pay. Is this true?
	No, if you are on annual and/or sick leave you should not be denied SSA benefits due to Substantial Gainful Activity. Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA, means that you are currently working and receiving pay. Ask your local personnel office for help in getting the proper documentation to SSA to show you are receiving pay because of some type of leave.
	I am currently working on a part-time basis (light duty). How will that affect my Social Security disability application?
	As long as you are working in any capacity, SSA needs to determine if the value of your work is at least $700 per month ($1100 if you are blind). However, even if you feel SSA may deny disability benefits, you must apply.
	I am a disabled CSRS Offset employee, why can't I participate?
	Since this is a pilot program, FEDMER is currently restricted to FERS employees. In the future, it may be expanded to include CSRS Offset employees.
	Should someone, such as myself, who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, apply to receive benefits through FEDMER?
	Yes, you should apply for benefits through FEDMER. We believe all disability applicants can benefit by using the FEDMER process because it will be faster and easier for you.