Episode Summary:

In this episode, Eric Pines guides federal employees through the critical post-approval phase of OPM disability retirement. Covering everything from waiting for the last day of pay and interim payments to annuity calculations, reemployment rules (80% earnings limit), preserving FEHB benefits, and smart financial planning—including TSP loans and avoiding credit card debt—Eric shares practical steps, common pitfalls, and a real success story of a client who earned more on disability than before.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 - Show Introduction

00:30 - First Step After Approval: Celebrate & Wait for Last Day of Pay

01:15 - Understanding Interim Payments & Back Pay

02:00 - Automatic Separation: Transition to Retirement Status

03:00 - Annuity Payment Formula (High-Three Average)

04:00 - Financial Bridging: TSP Loans, Home Equity, Avoiding High-Interest Debt

05:00 - Reemployment Rules: 80% Earnings Cap & Job Flexibility

07:30 - Health (FEHB) & Life Insurance (FEGLI) Continuity

08:30 - TSP Management: Rollovers, Annuities, Tax Implications

10:00 - Common Mistakes: Disappearing, Overspending, Impatience

11:00 - Risks of Earning Over 80% (Benefit Termination & Restoration)

12:00 - Client Success Story: Higher Income on Disability via Contracting

13:30 - Long-Term Planning & Why OPM Disability Is a “Spectacular Benefit”

14:00 - Closing & Call to Action

About the Show:

"Empowering Workers" delivers clear, actionable guidance on federal employee disability retirement, employment rights, and Social Security Disability. Eric Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer and former in-house counsel for over 50,000 federal workers, helps listeners navigate complex benefits with confidence and clarity.