Dec 19, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Employment Law

What Federal Employees Should Know About Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health in the federal workplace is a dynamic issue due to our society’s rapidly changing views about mental health. Not long ago, even mild mental health conditions could lead to office suspicion, hostility, retaliation, and removal from the service. Fortunately, things have improved significantly during the past few decades. There is more awareness regarding the treatment of mental health in the federal workplace and more understanding of the nature of mental illness itself.  Despite those advances, many federal employees who struggle with mental illness are still in the dark when it comes to their rights and entitlements. Read on to learn more about your rights as a federal employee regarding mental health in the workplace. Contact a qualified federal employment attorney today if you have more questions or think you may be suffering from discrimination.  Your Rights as a Federal Employee with a Mental Health Condition The most important thing to remember is that you are protected against discrimination and harassment based on your mental health conditions. Various laws also guarantee the right to keep your condition private, seek reasonable accommodation, and request unpaid leave to treat the condition.  Protection Against Harassment and Discrimination Based on Mental Health Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with mental health conditions receive significant civil rights protections. The ADA, which protects those with both physical and mental disabilities, prohibits discrimination and harassment against a person based on mental impairment. It also protects individuals who have had a history of mental illness or who are generally regarded as having a mental impairment. What do the ADA’s discrimination and harassment protections entail? For one, they prohibit your employer from treating you differently simply because of your mental illness. Discrimination can incorporate all kinds of different behaviors, including: The ADA also prohibits harassment against any federal employees because of their mental health conditions. Legally speaking, harassment is any offensive or unwelcome conduct that becomes so severe or pervasive that it makes your working environment hostile. Countless kinds of behaviors can contribute to a hostile work environment. A few examples include: None of these behaviors are acceptable or legal. If you are suffering from either discrimination or harassment, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and receive significant monetary compensation.  The Opportunity to Request and Receive Reasonable Accommodations The ADA further requires the government to make reasonable accommodations for individuals who have difficulties performing the essential functions of their job because of their mental health conditions. Under the ADA, an impairment or disability is any condition that affects a major life activity. And major life activities include all kinds of things, including eating, thinking, moving, and taking care of yourself. Consequently, virtually every mental health illness can qualify for some kind of reasonable accommodation.  Reasonable accommodations can relate to virtually every aspect of your federal job. You can ask for a reasonable accommodation to your work environment or to a hiring process. In addition, you can seek to effect changes in the way you do your job. Provided your requested accommodation does not create an undue hardship on your employer or change the fundamental duties of your position, it will generally be considered reasonable under the ADA.  The Right to Medical Confidentiality Although federal employees with mental health conditions may have to disclose those conditions under certain circumstances, they are entitled to medical confidentiality. Title 1 of the ADA requires employers to place mental health information on separate forms and medical files. In addition, those documents must be treated as confidential medical records. There are only three exceptions to this confidentiality requirement. First, your supervisor or director may obtain information regarding the ways in which your condition affects your work. Second, your employer may disclose your condition to first aid or agency safety personnel if you need emergency treatment. Finally, your employer may provide your information to adhere to a government compliance investigation.  Want to Learn More About How to Prove Disability Discrimination in the Federal Workplace? At the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, we dedicate ourselves to advancing the rights and welfare of federal employees with mental health conditions. The thought of any federal employee suffering from disability discrimination or harassment is simply unacceptable to us. As soon as you reach out to us, we’ll do everything possible to protect your rights. And if you have been harmed through disability discrimination or harassment, we will do our best to get you the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at (833) 833-3529 or contact us online. 

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Dec 16, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | FERS Disability

Applying for OPM Disability Retirement

There are currently two retirement systems in the federal government. The first one is the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). The other, more common system is the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).  Regardless of which system you fall under, you can receive disability benefits. To do so, you first need to submit a detailed retirement application to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Applying for OPM disability retirement is a complex and arduous process. If you are a federal employee with a serious injury or disability, it is essential that you understand OPM’s disability retirement. If you don’t follow the process correctly, OPM may reject your application, placing your financial future in jeopardy. We’ll discuss the basics of the OPM disability retirement process here.   Prerequisites for FERS Disability Retirement  Given that FERS is the retirement system for the overwhelming majority of the federal workforce, it is worth discussing first. Eligibility for FERS disability benefits requires that you: In addition, you must show that your debilitating condition is expected to last at least one year. Short-term illnesses and injuries do not suffice. To meet the third requirement, your federal employer must first attempt to give you an accommodation that allows you to perform the essential functions of your job with your disability. Potential accommodations include things like telework, altered office arrangements, and a change in work schedule. If attempts to accommodate your condition with your position are unsuccessful, your employer must also search for a similar position that could meet your needs.  People typically have several misconceptions about what they need to show when they submit their application for OPM disability retirement. For one, they believe they need to show that their disability prevents them from doing all work. This is patently false. The employee needs to show only that their disability prevents them from executing the core duties of their position of record. In other words, if you are a welder, you do not need to show that your disability prevents you from sitting at a computer. People also commonly believe that their disability must stem from their federal work. This is also incorrect. You can apply for disability retirement regardless of the cause of your disability. Differences in CSRS Disability Retirement Application Applying for CSRS disability retirement is quite similar to applying for FERS disability retirement. The key difference is that you must complete at least five years of Federal civilian service before applying for CSRS disability retirement. FERS, on the other hand, requires only 18 months of federal civilian service.  Preparing Your OPM Disability Retirement Application You need to complete two forms to begin your FERS disability retirement application: If you are not yet 62 years old, you will also have to submit your application for social security disability benefits. Because there are only two or three items to submit, you may think that applying for disability retirement is straightforward. The unfortunate truth is that the process is quite complicated. To complete your application, you will need to collect a wide variety of medical information. Consequently, It is essential to act quickly when applying for disability retirement. In fact, the best time to begin working on your disability retirement application is before you receive your separation of service from the government. If you apply before or immediately after your separation from service, you can probably count on additional support from your employer. As more time passes, it will be more difficult to collect the evidence you need.  In any event, you have exactly one year to apply for OPM disability retirement. Waiting more than one year to apply for OPM disability retirement will cause you to forever lose out on disability benefits. Therefore, we cannot stress enough how important it is to take action and contact an employment attorney when you receive your separation for service. Would You Like Assistance Preparing Your OPM Disability Retirement Application?  Now you know the basics of applying for disability retirement. However, the process is complex, and many applicants experience needless delays or denial of benefits because of avoidable errors. Don’t make that mistake. Instead, contact one of our qualified attorneys at the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC. We strive to protect the futures of federal employees, especially those who have a disability. We know how difficult and overwhelming it can be to fill out paperwork and navigate the retirement application process, and we want to help you. Let us take care of your retirement application so you can focus on putting your life back together. Even if you aren’t sure you need an attorney for your application, let us review your case. Don’t wait. Call us today at (866) 612-5956, or reach out to us online.

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Dec 12, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Retirement

Early Retirement for Federal Employees

Did you know there are actually three types of early retirement for federal employees? Contrary to popular belief, federal employees have a decent amount of flexibility when it comes to early retirement. However, early retirement usually comes at a cost. Depending on your age and situation, the cost of early retirement may be relatively low or high.  Read on to discover the three basic kinds of early retirement and who is eligible for each one. If you have other questions about early retirement or are looking for specific legal advice, don’t hesitate to contact us today. What Options Do Federal Employees Have for Early Retirement? Generally, federal employees have to be 62 to retire from federal service. Federal employees who are younger than 62 have the following retirement options: Let’s look more closely at what these retirement options entail.  Disability Retirement To qualify for disability retirement, you need to have at least 18 months of federal service and have a disabling condition that is expected to last more than a year. You also need to be able to show that you cannot perform your essential duties because of your disability. Finally, your agency needs to certify that it cannot effectively accommodate your disabling medical condition in your current position of record. Assuming you’ve met these qualifications, you have to provide several detailed forms. To learn more about how to pursue disability retirement, contact one of our federal employment attorneys today.  Deferred Retirement Employees who voluntarily leave federal service before their minimum retirement age can pursue deferred retirement. For this option, you need to have at least five years of federal service. In addition, you need to leave your retirement contributions in the federal system when you depart. In return, you can apply for retirement benefits when you hit the minimum retirement age (MRA). While this option guarantees you will receive retirement benefits eventually, you may have to wait decades before you actually begin receiving payments. Involuntary Early Retirement When agencies are undergoing a significant reorganization or laying off a large portion of their workforce, they can offer their employees a special kind of early retirement. This same type of early retirement is possible for employees who are involuntarily separated for certain reasons. Assuming you are in one of these two situations, you can retire at age 50 if you have 20 years of service. Alternatively, if you have more than 25 years of service, you can retire and receive full benefits at any age.  What Is the Minimum Retirement Age in the Federal Government? Your MRA depends on a couple of factors. The first factor is your years of service in the federal government. If you began working with the federal government before 1987, you are probably under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Under the CSRS, employees with 30 years of service have an MRA of 55. Employees with more than 20 years of service have an MRA of 60, and employees with at least five years of service have an MRA of 62.  Anyone who began their federal career after 1987 will be under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). The MRA for FERS employees depends on your year of birth. Employees born before 1948 have an MRA of 55. Employees born after 1970 have an MRA of 57, and employees born between 1948 and 1970 will have an MRA between 55 and 2 months to 56 and 10 months. Even after you hit your MRA, you may not receive all your retirement benefits. If you retire at your MRA with fewer than 30 years of federal service, your retirement benefits will be cut by 5% for every year that you are under 62. That means if you retire at 60, you will receive only 90% of your retirement benefits. And if you retire at 50, you will only receive 40% of your retirement benefits.  If You’re a Federal Employee Pursuing Early Retirement, We Can Help. Whether you’re pursuing disability retirement or deferred retirement, it can be difficult to obtain the early retirement benefits you deserve. For the best outcome, you should seek the assistance of qualified legal counsel. An experienced federal employment attorney can help you understand your retirement options and prepare your retirement application.  Here at the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, we’re passionate about serving dedicated civil servants. We strive to help all our clients reach their retirement goals, regardless of their age or years of service. Over the years, we’ve helped many federal employees obtain early retirement and disability retirement. In addition, we have helped hold federal agencies accountable when they fail to meet their legal duties.  Worried about the cost of hiring an attorney? Don’t be. The last thing we want is money concerns to come between you and the retirement you deserve. Schedule your consultation today by calling us at 1-866-612-5956 or getting in touch with us online. 

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Dec 9, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Employment Law

How Long Does FERS Disability Retirement Last?

If you are currently on the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) disability retirement, you probably have a mix of relief and concern. You might be relieved because of the assistance that payments provide for your life. But you might be concerned because you are unsure how long your retirement will last. In general, many employees on FERS disability retirement can expect their retirement to last until age 62. However, there is no simple answer to the question of how long it will last. It depends on your age, health, situation, and disciplinary history. We’ll cover some of the basics here so that you have a general idea of what to expect. But if you have more questions about how the law applies to your specific case, contact an outstanding federal employment attorney today.  How Long Will My FERS Disability Retirement Last? Most federal employees are eligible to remain on FERS disability retirement from the date they receive approval until the day they turn 62. At that point, your retirement will convert automatically from disability to typical federal retirement. That said, you are subject to occasional “check-ups” while on FERS disability. What Factors Can Affect Whether I Continue to Receive FERS Disability Retirement? Age is the biggest factor when it comes to your benefits. As we mentioned before, when you turn 62, you will no longer receive disability retirement. Another factor that comes into play is your health. While many federal employees have disabling conditions that are also permanent, other employees can recover over time. If you recover sufficiently from your condition, you may lose out on your benefits after undoing a periodic review. A third variable that affects your retirement is your current earnings. According to federal law, you can receive retirement benefits only if you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from achieving your “earning capacity.” However, if you subsequently receive wages (either from another employer or from self-employment) that equates to more than 80% of the pay you received as a federal employee, you will be deemed as having achieved your earning capacity. That means your benefits will stop.  Finally, your participation in other benefit programs can affect your benefits. For instance, if you decide to receive benefits from the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), then you can no longer continue to collect retirement payments.  Understanding Periodic Reviews by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) After you begin your FERS disability retirement, you can expect to receive periodic reviews from OPM. For some, these reviews will come once or twice a year. Other employees on benefits may receive reviews more or less often. In any event, these reviews are critical for your continued benefits.  During these reviews, OPM will send the retiree a short form to fill out. The form will inquire about the former employee’s current work activities. It will also request updated medical records for OPM to review. Having the right attorney on your side during this process can make all the difference for your disability retirement.  For many retirees with permanent conditions, their updated medical records will support a finding that will allow them to remain on benefits. But depending on your medical status and the answers to the OPM review form, the agency may decide that you are healthy enough to work and terminate future payments. This kind of sudden monetary change can turn your life upside down. The Consequences of Losing FERS Disability Retirement Losing your FERS benefits has many consequences. As any FERS retiree can tell you, one of the major benefits of FERS disability retirement is the free health and life insurance coverage that comes with it. You may also lose your health and life insurance if you lose your retirement benefits.  Other Benefits of Remaining on FERS Disability Retirement It’s also worth mentioning that while you are on FERS disability retirement, you will still accrue creditable service years. This will benefit you when your federal retirement kicks in at age 62. The calculation for your federal retirement is one percent of your highest salary over a three-year period multiplied by your years of creditable service. For instance, if your highest average salary over a three-year period was $100,000 and you have only 10 years of service, your retirement will be $10,000. But if you served 18 years in the government, your annual retirement benefit would equal $18,000. This means that it should be your top priority to maintain your disability retirement as long as you have a disabling medical condition.  What Should I Do If I Lose My Disability Retirement? Not all is lost if OPM has decided that you have recovered from your condition and withdrawn your benefits. If your disability recurs and you do not earn more than 80% of your former salary, you may be able to have your benefits reinstated. Want to Learn More About Protecting Your FERS Disability Retirement? Losing your benefits can be absolutely devastating. Therefore, if you are worried that OPM may decide to terminate your disability retirement, you need to consult a federal employment attorney right away. The Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing is dedicated to helping you exercise your legal rights. Contact us today by calling 833-833-3529. You can also reach out to us online. 

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Dec 7, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Employment Law

Title 38 and Hybrid Title 38 Employee Overview

Title 5 of the United States Code covers virtually all federal government employees. However, a few employees fall under Title 38 of the U.S. Code. Title 38 and hybrid Title 38 employees receive unique rights in the federal government. Both categories of employees work in the Veterans Administration and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and have different working conditions and pay scales. Title 38 employees work in various medical professions, while hybrid title 38 employees occupy medical and scientific roles.  Here, we’ll review the rights and working conditions of Title 38 employees and hybrid Title 38 employees. We will also touch on the process for appealing disciplinary action. For more specific questions relating to Title 38 and hybrid Title 38 employees, call a title 38 lawyer today.  Title 38 Employees: Characteristics and Examples  Title 5 defines all the main characteristics of federal employees. It controls things like working hours, overtime provisions, and pay scales. Because Title 38 employees obviously aren’t covered by Title 5, their working conditions are significantly different. Whereas Title 5 employees work during regular business hours, many Title 38 employees regularly work weekends or are on call 24/7. Title 5 employees receive pay under either the General Schedule (GS) or Executive Schedule (ES) pay systems, while Title 38 employees have several different pay scales that allow for significantly higher salaries. For instance, GS employees have a pay cap equal to the Executive Schedule level IV, which was $176,300 in 2022. In contrast, Title 38 physicians can make up to $385,000. However, Title 38 employees do not receive the same benefits as Title 5 employees when it comes to disciplinary matters. While Title 38 employees can file Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints, they cannot appeal disciplinary actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). This means that employers like the VA have significantly greater discretion when it comes to disciplining their employees. Finally, Title 38 employees must serve a two-year probationary period. Title 5 employees need only serve a one-year probationary period.  How Do I Know If I Am a Title 38 Employee? Not all VA and NIH employees fall under Title 38. The best way to determine if you are a Title 38 employee is by assessing your profession. The following professions are covered by Title 38: This is not an exhaustive list. If you have specific questions about whether your profession falls under Title 38, contact a competent Title 38 attorney today. How is a Hybrid Title 38 Employee Different from a Title 38 Employee? Some professions within the VA and NIH have employees that do not fall under one title of the U.S. Code. Instead, these professions split their employees between Title 5 and Title 38. These professions are called “mixed” or hybrid Title 38 employee professions. Hybrid Title 38 professions include: Again, this is not an exhaustive list. That said, if you work for the VA or NIH in one of these fields, you might be a Title 38 or Title 5 employee. The best way to know which title governs your position is by consulting your agency’s human resources department or by contacting a federal employment attorney.  What Rights Do Title 38 Employees Have? Regardless of whether they are in “pure” Title 38 professions or “hybrid” Title 38 professions, employees under Title 38 enjoy the same rights. While Title 38 employees cannot appeal disciplinary actions to the MSPB, they receive protections from the following laws:   Title 38 employees may also dispute disciplinary actions in Administrative Investigation Boards (AIBs). During these hearings, they may be represented.  Want to Learn More About Title 38 and Hybrid Title 38 Employees?  Do you have more questions about your rights as a Title 38 employee? Are you looking for quality legal representation to help you defend your career in AIB? Whatever your situation, we can help. The lawyers at the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, have many years of experience with both Title 5 and Title 38 employees. We have helped countless civil servants protect their careers, hold bad actors accountable, and obtain the benefits they deserve. Also, we’ve practiced in every kind of federal forum, including AIBs, the MSPB, the EEOC, and federal district court. We are passionate about defending your rights and hope to provide you with outstanding customer service.  Still unsure about whether you need to hire an attorney? Don’t worry. You can contact us at 1-866-612-5956 or reach out online to get started. 

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Dec 7, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Employment Law

Are Federal Employees At-Will Employees?

Are federal employees at-will employees? The simple answer to this question is “no.” Every federal employee receives due process rights and may be fired only for cause. However, there are periodic efforts within Congress to make all federal employees at-will employees, so it’s worth discussing the concept of at-will employment. We’ll also review the basics of federal employment and the rights that virtually all federal employees have.  If you are a federal employee or are applying for a federal position, contact us to learn more about federal employment. We can help answer any questions about your rights as a federal employee.  What Are At-Will Employees? According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at-will employment “means that an employer can terminate an employee ‌for any reason, except an illegal one, or for no reason without incurring legal liability.” Employers cannot fire at-will employees for discriminatory reasons, like the employee’s race, sex, or religion. However, the employer can use just about any other reason to fire the employee. Technically, the employer need not have any reason at all for firing an at-will employee.  Understanding the Basic Rights of Federal Employment Fortunately, federal employees have extensive protections against arbitrary terminations. The vast majority of federal workers have a right to due process. Specifically, federal employees have to receive the following rights when they face discipline: Employees receive more rights if their employer proposes a suspension greater than 14 days, a demotion, or a removal. In those situations, federal employees need to have at least 30 days advance notice and the right to appeal the decision. Employees may appeal major disciplinary actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board, a federal agency designed to “promote an effective Federal workforce.” An MSPB appeal guarantees the employee the opportunity to argue their case before a federal administrative judge. Employees may also present favorable evidence, call supporting witnesses, and cross-examine agency witnesses. Why Are Federal Employees Not At-Will? The answer to this lies in the history of our country. The founding fathers understood it was vital to have an independent federal workforce. Otherwise, federal employees could be hired and fired for purely political reasons. There were several times in American history when civil servants were hired and fired for their political views. In the late 1800s, ordinary citizens frequently expected to get federal jobs by working for a presidential candidate.  The problems of this “spoils system” soon became obvious. In 1881, President Garfield was killed by a disgruntled supporter named Charles Guiteau. Guiteau had demanded a job at the American embassy in Paris for making a speech for President Garfield during his campaign for president. When he failed to receive a position, he decided to take matters into his own hands. The shocking assassination prompted Garfield’s successor to sign the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) of 1883. The CSRA helped create an independent civil service by requiring federal agencies to fire employees only for cause.  How Can Federal Employees Be Fired?  Unlike at-will employees, a federal agency may fire a federal employee only for certain reasons. Common reasons for termination include: These are only a few examples. However, agencies can fire federal employees for only specific kinds of misconduct or poor performance. Arbitrary reasons, even if they are not discriminatory, do not suffice.  We Can Help Answer Your Federal Employment Questions Now that you understand the basics of federal employment, you might have other questions about working for the federal government. Whatever your question or concern, we are happy to answer it. In addition, we can represent you if your rights as a federal employee are under attack by your agency. Today, it is easier than ever to find a federal employment attorney. However, it’s critical to pick the right attorney. To protect your federal employment rights, you need a federal employment attorney with many years of experience and a track record of success.  Here at the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, our federal employment attorneys have several decades of collective experience representing federal employees. We’ve helped our clients with every aspect of federal employment, including MSPB hearings, disability retirement, and whistleblower retaliation. Whatever federal employment legal needs you have, we can help you solve them. To move forward, simply contact us today at 1-866-612-5956. You can also contact us online.

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Dec 7, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 5 minutes | Federal Employment Law

Examples of Hostile Work Environment

Working for the federal government can be demanding and challenging, but it should not be discriminatory or hostile. If you are a federal employee who is suffering in a hostile work environment, take comfort in knowing that you have several legal protections against workplace misconduct. You can also have a strong and effective advocate from the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing. Our experienced federal employment attorneys are dedicated to helping federal employees navigate the complex legal systems that grant compensation and relief for workplace disputes.  What Is a Hostile Work Environment?  Not every uncomfortable workplace is illegally hostile. An unlawfully hostile work environment is the result of workplace discrimination defined by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). To hold your employer liable for fostering or condoning a hostile work environment, you must clear several legal hurdles. These hurdles include proving the presence of unwanted behavior that is discriminatory and severe or pervasive. A Hostile Work Environment Is Unwelcome The crux of maintaining a successful hostile work environment case is proving that the harassing behavior you endured was unwanted. When you are confronted with harassment, you should immediately tell your harasser to stop or complain to a supervisor or human resources about the conduct.   A Hostile Work Environment Is Discriminatory You must prove that whatever hostile behavior you endured was discrimination that targeted a protected characteristic. The Title VII protected characteristics are:  Among the many forms of discrimination, sexual harassment is a topic of concern that comes up often in this country, and it is a broader form of misconduct than the media portrays. Please remember that sexual harassment does not have to be motivated by sexual desire to be illegal. Sexual harassment just has to be based on someone’s sex or gender.  A Hostile Work Environment Consists of Extreme or Persistent Actions What kinds of actions create hostile workplaces? The possibilities are endless. Someone in your workplace can commit this type of harassment through: A coworker, supervisor, or nonemployee in your office might make a passing joke or statement about someone’s protected characteristic, but not every incident like this rises to the level of unlawful discrimination. To claim that harassment at your job created a hostile environment, you must prove that the harassment was extreme or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would call your workplace abusive.  Extreme discriminatory actions If there was only one instance of discriminatory harassment in your workplace, you must show the legal authorities that the one instance was extreme enough to be abusive on its own. Examples of this type of extreme behavior can include touching without permission and the use of offensive slurs.  Pervasive discrimination If a single occurrence of discrimination isn’t extreme, you need to show the authorities that there was a pattern of discrimination in your workplace. That pattern might be daily jokes about race or sex or the exclusion of members from one protected class whenever there is a social work function.  The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title VII, and it looks at the entire record when concluding whether harassment created a hostile environment. When you sense harassment, collect as much evidence as you can, and your attorney can show the courts and authorities why the behavior at your workplace was unlawful.  What Is an Example of a Hostile Work Environment?  We know it can be difficult to speak out against mistreatment in your workplace. But sometimes, taking a stand is easier when you have examples of a hostile work environment to remind you of what you don’t have to endure. Let’s take a look at the two scenarios below.  Example Number One Pervasive harassment that creates hostility can come from insults or perceived “compliments” about someone’s protected characteristics. For instance, imagine you are a member of a racial group that is stereotyped as being gifted in math. Balancing the budget is one of your many job functions, as well as data analysis and copy editing. During several work meetings, coworkers who have the same job as you joke that they should just give you all the budget work because “your people are good at that.” Your coworkers also consistently forward you work assignment emails regarding their budget projects and include joking messages that say, “I know you want to handle this—you have the genes for it.”  Even if your coworkers think they are somehow attributing good qualities to you, this type of behavior can quickly make an individual feel targeted and unsafe in their work environment. If someone constantly makes comments (bad or “good”) about characteristics they associate with one of your protected characteristics, they are likely creating a hostile work environment.  Example Number Two Workplace hostility can also come from non-verbal conduct. Activities like making offensive gestures, regularly entering a coworker’s personal space, following a coworker around, or touching a coworker without permission can be forms of unlawful harassment.  If, for example, you repeatedly have to tell a colleague not to stand only an inch behind you and other employees of the same sex while you are making copies, you could have a right to file a sexual harassment claim. Your claim could be valid regardless of whether your harasser was of the opposite sex or motivated by desire.  There are myriad ways your workplace can become hostile. If there is any hint of discrimination in your office or at your worksite, speak to an attorney immediately about how to respond.  Employer Liability Employers are liable for hostile working environments when the following conditions are present:  Do all that you reasonably can to follow your employer’s harassment complaint procedures and submit a written harassment report to your employer. If your employer’s point of contact for your complaint is your harasser, submit a written complaint to a trusted supervisor or human resources. And if the circumstances of the harassment make filing a complaint with management futile, speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your options.  Taking Legal...

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Dec 5, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Employment Law

Does FMLA Apply to Federal Employees?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a landmark piece of legislation that gives employees with serious health conditions a sizable amount of leave to take care of themselves. Employees can also receive leave to care for a family member with a medical condition. It is an important right for American workers, but few people have heard about FMLA. In fact, one common question we receive is whether federal employees can take advantage of FMLA. Simply put, the answer is yes. According to the Department of Labor (DOL), FMLA applies to all public agencies, including local, State, and Federal employers.  Read on to learn more about how FMLA works for federal employees. We will run over FMLA’s basic history and take a look at its key provisions. If you have more questions about FMLA for federal employees, call or contact us online.  A Brief Overview of FMLA FMLA gives employees up to twelve weeks of leave to deal with a serious health condition or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. While the leave is unpaid, FMLA guarantees that the employee can keep their job. To receive FMLA leave, an employee must complete a preliminary application form and attach supporting medical evidence.  Although 12 weeks is the maximum amount of leave an employee can receive, not all applications receive that amount. To receive a full 12 weeks of leave, three requirements need to be met. First, you must not have taken any FMLA leave within the past year. Second, you must currently be working a full-time position (40 hours or more per week). Third, you need to have worked at least 1,250 hours at your employer over the previous 12 months. Finally, your request for 12 weeks of leave must be supported by medical documentation. In addition to caring for themselves or a family member with a serious health condition, federal employees may also use FMLA:  In these situations, the FMLA leave must conclude within 12 months of the birth or placement of the child.  What Qualifies As a Serious Health Condition? Many different situations can constitute a “serious health condition.” Examples include any medical conditions that: Pregnancy and organ donation can also be grounds for applying for FMLA leave. So can mental disorders, provided they meet the criteria mentioned above.  FMLA to Care for Covered Service Members FMLA has an additional provision for individuals who need to care for loved ones who are service members with a serious injury or illness. If a federal employee’s FMLA request meets this requirement, they can receive up to 26 weeks of leave during a 12-month period rather than 12 weeks. However, the leave will still be unpaid.  Using FMLA Leave and FMLA Leave Protections Employees can use FMLA leave in a variety of ways. FMLA leave can be used in one 12-week block, in several smaller weekly blocks, or sporadically throughout the year. In some situations, employees can operate on a reduced leave schedule, which means they use their FMLA leave to work slightly fewer hours over a longer period of time. While an employee is on FMLA leave, their job is protected. An employer cannot retaliate against the employee for using FMLA. Nor can the employer terminate or downgrade the employee. The law requires employers to return the employee to the same job or one that is nearly identical to the prior job. To qualify as a “nearly identical” job, the new job must: The “nearly identical” job must also offer identical employee benefits, such as health insurance, disability insurance, vacation time, sick leave, and retirement benefits.  If You Want to Know Whether FMLA Is an Option for You, Give Us a Call Today Now that you know that FMLA is an option for federal employees, you might be wondering whether your personal situation qualifies you for FMLA leave. If that’s the case, don’t leave your future to guesswork. Get legal representation right away by contacting an experienced federal employment lawyer. At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing, we are not generalists who also happen to take on federal employment cases. Instead, our entire practice is concentrated on helping civil servants with all kinds of federal employment issues. We have experience with all kinds of situations. We can give you the advice you need and help you assess your legal options. At every step of the way, you can expect wonderful customer service, making the legal process as painless as possible.  Don’t leave your future up to chance. Call us today or contact us online.

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Dec 5, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 5 minutes | Federal Retirement

5 Steps for Applying for Federal Disability Retirement

Federal employees who become disabled face significant stress. From handling pain and multiple doctor appointments to worrying about finances and an uncertain future, a federal employee can be overwhelmed. The last thing that a disabled federal employee should have to deal with is filing complex paperwork to apply for federal disability retirement benefits.  At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, our federal employee disability retirement lawyers take the worry out of applying for benefits. We help our disabled-federal-worker clients so that they can focus on their health and their families. Our hands-on approach keeps our clients informed throughout the entire process, from completing the initial paperwork to the appeal of benefit denial. We are experienced in all aspects of Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) disability retirement benefits so that federal employees don’t have to be. For assistance, please contact us online or call (833) 833-3529 today. Requirements For Applying For FERS Disability Retirement To be eligible for the FERS disability program, federal employees must have worked in a covered position for at least 18 months. In addition, an employee must have become disabled while employed and the disability must be expected to last for at least one year. Importantly, however, a work-related injury or illness need not have caused the disability. Federal employees can apply for disability retirement benefits at any age. What Disabilities Qualify for Federal Government Disability Retirement Benefits? To qualify for federal government disability retirement benefits, an employee must experience either a physical or mental disease or injury. The employee’s disability must prevent “useful and efficient service” in the employee’s current job with the federal government. Essentially, the federal employee must be unable to perform one or more essential job functions of their current position. If the employing federal agency can accommodate the worker’s medical condition, the employee may continue to work in his or her current position. In that case, the employee will not be eligible for federal disability retirement. Alternatively, if the employing agency can transfer the disabled employee to a different job, known as the accommodation of last resort, the employee will not be entitled to disability retirement benefits. The new job should be at the same grade or pay level and in the same commuting area. In short, the employee may apply for federal disability retirement only if the employing agency is unable to accommodate the employee’s disability. Five-Step FERS Disability Retirement Application Process There are five essential steps that a federal employee needs to follow to apply for FERS disability retirement. 1. Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits Why? Because when a federal employee applies for FERS disability retirement, the employee must indicate whether he or she has applied for Social Security disability benefits. Remember, you do not have to be approved for SSDI, but you must apply. The applicant also must attach a copy of the Social Security application receipt or award notice to the FERS disability retirement application. If a disabled employee receives Social Security disability payments, the amount of federal disability retirement payments under FERS will be reduced. Importantly, if the Social Security Administration denies disability benefits, federal employees still may be entitled to FERS disability retirement payments. 2. Complete Standard Form 3107, Application for Immediate Retirement Form 3107 is available from federal personnel offices or online here. Federal employees must file their application for federal government disability retirement benefits while still employed with the government or within one year of their separation date.  The Application for Immediate Retirement is several pages long and asks for detailed information, including: Form 3107 also includes the Certified Summary of Federal Service, SF 3107-1. The employing agency completes this certification form to provide a history of the employee’s federal jobs, earnings, and FERS coverage. You can apply for FERS disability retirement before the agency completes this form. After the agency completes that certification, the employee must review and sign it, attesting that it is accurate. The agency also should complete the Agency Checklist of Immediate Retirement Procedures, which is part of Form 3107. In addition, depending on your responses to certain questions, supplemental documentation may be required, such as a marriage certificate, W-4 form, or a DD-214, for example. For guidance on how to complete the application, disabled federal employees can review the instructions that accompany the Application for Immediate Retirement. They may also read an informational pamphlet SF 3113 titled Applying for Immediate Retirement Under the Federal Employees Retirement System. 3. Complete Standard Form 3112, Documentation in Support of Disability Retirement Application Disabled federal employees need to provide documents that support their FERS disability retirement application. Standard Form (SF) 3112 includes five main forms, some of which are completed by the applicant and others to be completed by their physicians or agency. In general, employees use these forms to document their medical condition to show that they are disabled and unable to perform their job duties.  The disabled employee must complete Standard Form 3112A, Applicant’s Statement of Disability. On that form, the applicant describes his or her disease or injury and how it affects current job duties. The applicant then lists the physicians and dates of treatment that can support his or her claim of disability.  Next, the federal employee must ask each doctor to complete Standard Form 3112C, Physician’s Statement. The employee should also provide each doctor with a current job description. With that job description, each doctor can state how the employee’s disease or injury affects the employee’s ability to work. In addition to completing the form, each doctor must enclose medical documentation of the patient’s medical condition on letterhead stationery. Doctors must provide copies of all medical reports detailing the patient’s symptoms and history, diagnostic tests, diagnosis, treatments, and therapies. The doctors also must indicate if and when the employee will recover. Finally, if the doctors place any restrictions on the employee’s activities, such as lifting or standing limits, the doctor must describe those restrictions.  Next, the employing federal agency must complete forms that...

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Nov 14, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Retirement

Can You Lose Your Federal Retirement If Fired?

In addition to competitive pay, federal employees enjoy good benefits and a generous pension. What’s more, federal employees with at least one year of service have significant rights with respect to their job security. Federal employees have a reputation for being hard to fire because of these rights and the corresponding processes. Nevertheless, agencies may fire federal employees for a variety of reasons, including poor performance, misconduct, or downsizing. If you’re a federal employee, you’ve probably wondered, can you lose your federal retirement benefits if fired? How Federal Retirement Benefits Work The Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), awards retirement benefits to eligible employees. FERS covers employees who started their service with the government after January 1, 1987. The Civil Service Retirement Act (CSRS) covers federal employees who started working for the government before that date. FERS is a retirement program that provides benefits from Social Security, a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Basic Benefits Plan. The first two are transferable to other jobs if a federal employee leaves before retirement. These retirement benefits fully vest in employees after five years of service, though annuities won’t begin until an employee reaches minimum retirement age (MRA). For example, the federal minimum retirement age for employees born in 1970 or later is 57. Although the eligibility rules vary slightly depending on service length, federal employees with more than 10 years of service receive an annuity immediately upon reaching their MRA. Employees with 5-10 years of service can receive an annuity starting at age 62.  Federal employees with at least 10 years of service can elect to take an immediate retirement or defer it. FERS reduces immediate retirement benefits by 5% per year for each year the employee is under age 62. Disability and early retirement may have slightly different timelines depending on the employee’s age and years of service. If you have questions about your federal retirement benefits, a federal employment lawyer can provide advice on your eligibility and the benefits available to you. Do Federal Employees Lose Their Retirement If They’re Fired? The short answer is no. Unfortunately, the misconception that you can lose your federal retirement if fired persists even among federal employees. Many employees incorrectly believe that they will lose their federal retirement benefits if the agency fires them. However, the truth is that federal employees whose retirement benefits have vested are all but guaranteed to receive those benefits, subject to a few exceptions. Employees unaware of this may be tempted or pressured to resign if they know they are about to be fired. These employees are often under the wrong impression that by resigning, they can save the benefits they would otherwise lose. This was exactly the situation in Morrison v. Department of the Navy. In that case, the Department of the Navy alerted an employee that an adverse employment action was pending against him. The Department urged him to resign to avoid losing his retirement benefits. Ruling on the case, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) noted that retirement benefits earned over the course of a federal career “are generally available upon separation from federal service, even when the separation is agency initiated.” To be clear, this means that when an agency fires a federal employee—whether for cause, poor performance, reduction in force, or otherwise—that employee remains entitled to any vested retirement benefits. There are very limited exceptions to this rule (discussed below), but for the vast majority of federal employees, they will never be an issue. How Federal Employees Can Lose Their Retirement Benefits As mentioned above, there are only a few narrow circumstances in which federal employee will lose their retirement benefits. Under 5 U.S.C. § 8312, federal employees forfeit their retirement benefits only if they are convicted of one or more specific federal crimes. There are more than 20 in total, each covering an act against the national security of the United States, including: Related statutory sections cover additional crimes that would render a federal employee ineligible for benefits. These include: Federal employees who do not commit any of those crimes don’t have to worry about losing their benefits. Can Federal Employees with Voluntary Early Retirement Lose Their Retirement Benefits If Fired? The Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) allows government agencies to temporarily reduce the minimum age and service requirements for retirement benefits. Agencies usually use VERA to offer employees an incentive to retire voluntarily, often during a restructuring, downsizing, or reorganization. Rather than involuntarily reducing the number of employees at the agency, it may make VERA offers or Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP) to willing employees. Unlike with FERS or CSRS, federal employees fired for poor performance or misconduct cannot take advantage of discontinued service annuities under VERA. However, they may still be eligible for a deferred benefit. Federal employment lawyers familiar with government retirement plans can help you assess your options. If you accepted a voluntary early retirement offer from a government agency, a federal employment lawyer can also advise you of your rights moving forward. Hire a Federal Employment Attorney The Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing has been helping federal employees with their retirement and disability benefits for many years. During that time, we’ve helped hundreds of clients reclaim their jobs, stop discrimination, and resolve other issues in the workplace.  If you resigned based on false information about the status of your retirement benefits, we can help. Contact us today or call us at (833) 833-3529.

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