Lawyers with Agee Clymer Mitchell & Portman have helped hundreds of people across the state obtain disability benefits through the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). The program, which is similar to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), exists solely for individuals who are employed by the State of Ohio or a county, city, or local government. Separate retirement systems have also been established for public school teachers, nonteaching employees of local school systems, and some police and firefighters.
If a physical injury, illness, or mental health condition has made you unable to continue working for a state or local government agency and you are not eligible to receive SSDI benefits, you should consider applying for OPERS disability benefits. Qualifying is not simple, however, and you may need to partner with a lawyer who understands the OPERS system to file an application, appeal a denial of benefits, or to appeal a termination of benefits.
To qualify for OPERS disability benefits, you must
First, the time period in which an appeal can be filed is limited. Contacting a Columbus OPERS disability attorney as soon as possible after being notified that payments were denied or canceled is recommended.
Typically, succeeding with an appeal requires submitting additional medical evidence to support the existence and disabling nature of a serious physical or mental health condition. You must understand, however, that new health problems cannot be added to your claim.
Completing, filing, and following up on OPERS paperwork can be difficult, especially for an individual or family dealing with a disability. One of our experienced OPERS disability attorneys may be able to step up and keep your claim moving.
In fact, the best time to contact our Columbus offices at (614) 221-3318 or online to schedule a free consultation could be before you send in your initial application for OPERS disability benefits. That will give you access to an OPERS disability attorney who will walk you through the process and offer advice on the types of documentation to include with your application packet.