Federal employees who can't do their jobs any longer because of permanent physical or mental incapacitation often apply for disability retirement. Employees who are under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) also must apply to SSA for disability benefits. This is because the law requires OPM to reduce the amount it pays if SSA is paying Social Security disability benefits.   Normally, employees apply for benefits with OPM and SSA in two totally separate processes. They generally apply through their agency for FERS benefits from OPM, and directly with SSA for Social Security benefits. They must provide each agency with medical and other evidence to establish entitlement to benefits. This means that employees must obtain duplicative original sets of medical records from their health care providers. Because of differences in the rules for FERS and Social Security benefits, OPM generally awards benefits earlier than Social Security, resulting in a FERS overpayment if Social Security awards retroactive benefits. In addition, Social Security denies a high percentage of initial applications, especially because people are still receiving pay, or in SSA terms, engaged in "substantial gainful activity." Many of these applications are approved on appeal.   The OPM/SSA FEDMER (Federal Medical Evidence of Record) Test Pilot Process streamlines the process of applying for both FERS disability and SSA disability benefits. FEDMER will reduce or eliminate: The duplication of medical records. SSA denials based on substantial gainful activity. FERS overpayments and overall processing time for benefits.   Employees will now apply for both SSA and FERS benefits at their agency. The agency HR Specialist will go through the FEDMER packet with the employee and assist him or her when necessary. Since the FEDMER process works so efficiently, agencies will have closure more quickly when an employee files for disability benefits. OPM and SSA will share medical evidence so the employee does not have to obtain duplicate original documentation. SSA will receive medical evidence faster because they currently do not request medical evidence with the initial application. When SSA makes its decision, OPM will receive a copy of the decision letter. If the retiree qualifies for SSA disability benefits, OPM will be able to adjust the FERS annuity more quickly.   Participants in FEDMER must: Be a resident of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia. Be employed under FERS (CSRS Offset employees are not eligible to participate in FEDMER at this time). Sign the Statement of Participation (SOP).   Additional Information: For an overview of the FEDMER process, see the FEDMER Workflow diagram. This diagram shows the roles of the employing agency, OPM, and SSA in the FEDMER process. For more details, see the FEDMER Participation Fact Sheet.