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Can I Work Part-Time While Receiving FERS Disability Benefits as an Injured Postal Worker? The Answer Might Surprise You

The work of a last mile worker is arduous and stressful due to the hours they need to work and being exposed to not only the elements, but clients that may be ornery or aggressive. From dogs who chase them down to crazy traffic jams and angry drivers, last mile workers experience it all, but are expected to provide service with a smile.

After a certain amount of time, however, every USPS worker sustains an injury or falls ill due to occupational exposure or the cumulative stress associated with the job. For some, these injuries may be permanent, or the illness they developed could be diagnosed as being chronic, making it virtually impossible for them to ever return to work at the position they were in prior to said injury or illness.

For these individuals, the option of applying and qualifying for FERS disability benefits compensation is a very real one, and tens of thousands take advantage of this program every year. However, while these benefits can be life-saving and provide much-needed relief that will undoubtedly help injured postal workers slowly recover or manage their new normal, some individuals for one reason or another may decide to engage in minor income-generating activities.

While this may seem like a noble effort, there are stringent rules prohibiting working in certain positions or capacities, and those who are found doing so may face serious consequences. Having said that, it is vital that you have experienced legal representation to prevent any snafus or even the denial or cancellation of your FERS disability compensation benefits, and we’re here to help you with that.

We Are Here to Help You!

Are you looking for the best FERS disability compensation attorney? Please call us NOW at (314) 481-63338to learn more about your legal options for justice and compensation. The experienced federal workers’ compensation lawyers at McCready Law have dedicated almost 30 years of their professional lives to defend the rights of injured postal workers who may need to go into an early form of retirement on account of their permanent and disabling injuries and illnesses.

We serve a countrywide clientele, so you can feel free to give us a call TODAY at (314) 481-63338regardless of where you are. In addition. We run a bilingual firm (hablamos Español), and charge a flat hourly rate for all our legal services which must be reviewed by the Office of Personnel Management to ensure that it is fair and in agreement with your concerns, as well as are in accordance with federal regulations. If you suffered a permanent injury as a USPS last mile worker, please reach out to us NOW at (314) 481-63338to speak with one of our friendly, compassionate and knowledgeable lawyers at NO COST to you – our intake team is standing by.

Income Reporting Requirements for Injured and Sick USPS Workers Under FERS Disability Program

Some injured last mile workers may feel that they are able to work, albeit at limited capacity after suffering an injury. While they may be receiving benefits under the FERS system, they may decide to take up a part-time job that won’t aggravate their injury or health condition just so they can supplement their income and keep themselves mentally and socially stimulated.

However, OPM requires that you report any income earned to them and other agencies as the payout they provide you with coupled with your income, could potentially mean you’re receiving so much more than you should be getting, leading to overpayments that may have helped other injured USPS last mile workers who could have used an extra, say, $1500 on account of their injuries and treatment needs.

SSA, FERS Disability Compensation and Exceeding the Income Threshold

When you apply for FERS disability benefits, you will most likely qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. These two programs often intersect, and SSA or the Social Security Administration will keep a close eye on any income you receive when under these two programs due to a phenomenon called Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA.

As of last year, you were only allowed to earn a maximum of $1470 per month if you aren’t blind. Should you exceed this threshold, you run the risk of losing both your SSDI and FERS disability benefits. OPM and other related agencies require a level of transparency from injured or unwell federal employees receiving benefits as this helps them accurately maintain their records and ensures equity and fairness throughout the entire program.

To this end, it is vital that you document everything in order to demonstrate compliance with the FERS and SSDI regulations. For instance, ensure that you ensure the hours worked, your earnings and any communication between you and your employer as all this information will help confirm your eligibility for FERS disability benefits should the question or concern ever arise.

Seek Out Advice if Unsure About Working While on FERS Disability Benefits

During this time, it is vital that you get all the assistance you can get, so feel free to consult with a benefits advisor as they will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and ways of thinking of the benefits system that you never considered before. These individuals can help you in a number of ways such as how employment while receiving benefits can impact said benefits, and how working, even part-time, can impact your future financial needs and things like retirement.

Best, Countrywide FERS Disability Compensation Lawyers – Call Us Today!

If you’ve been injured or suffered a chronic illness and are thinking of working while receiving benefits under FERS disability program, we’d love to advise you on the consequences of doing so, as well as the monetary and other benefits you may potentially be eligible for. Please give us a call NOW at (314) 481-63338to learn more about your legal options for compensation as an injured USPS worker. Thanks for choosing McCready Law, and we look forward to helping you.