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Get the OPERS Disability Benefits You've Earned in Columbus
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We help state employees in Columbus who can’t work maintain financial independence as they recover from illness or injury.

Request Free Consultationsee practice areas

Get the OPERS Disability Benefits You've Earned in Columbus

__________________________________________________

We help state employees in Columbus who can’t work maintain financial independence as they recover from illness or injury.

Request Free Consultationdownload free guide

APPLY quickly

OBTAIN DISABILITY BENEFITS

recover with dignity

Simplify the Claims Process. Get Help Today.

if you or a public employee you know in Columbus is

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Unable to work due to injury, illness, or permanent disability

As a public employee of the State of Ohio you could be eligible for disability benefits through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System (OPERS), State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS), or School Employees Retirement System (SERS).

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Trying to obtain disability benefits without a long term disability lawyer

Experienced disability insurance lawyers know OPERS, STRS and SERS members can stay employed while their disability applications are being processed. You need expert help filling out OPERS Disability Forms.

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Overwhelmed or confused by the disability claims process

Many times routine claims are denied because they lack sufficient medical evidence or paperwork is filled out improperly. Your chances of winning improve when you have a lawyer.

As an OPERS attorney serving Columbus, we can help.

Click below to request your free OPERS | STRS | SERS disability claim consultation from an OPERS disability attorney. You pay nothing unless we help you obtain benefits. That’s our promise.

How to Navigate OPERS | STRS | SERS Disability Claims Process in Columbus

fighting for what is yours

Ohio Public Employees don’t pay into social security. Instead, they either pay into the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS), or School Employees Retirement System (SERS). For decades, these organizations offered better disability packages than social security, but that all changed in 2013.

That year, a pension reform bill was passed, making it more difficult for members to obtain benefits. Today, members are jumping through more hoops to get much needed resources. And while the application process may look easy, it’s not. You need the best disability lawyer to get your OPERS disability benefits.

If an illness or injury are keeping you from earning a living, you deserve compensation. You’ve served Ohio in the City of Columbus. It’s time for you and your family to get the benefits you deserve.  

Life-Changing

“I can’t say enough about Scott and Michelle. Scott is incredibly hands on and takes true pride in winning disability cases for his clients. My wife found him and we made contact and from there, it was nothing but hard work and communication from him… You guys saved my life in a way and I’ll forever be grateful.”

Responsive

We had fought for 2 yrs for my case. Scott fought for my case from day one and never backed down. He invested time and understanding in my condition to ensure that my case was solid. And we won! I am thankful for everything he did for me and his team was amazing. Thank you!

Professional

We had fought for 2 yrs for my case. Scott fought for my case from day one and never backed down. He invested time and understanding in my condition to ensure that my case was solid. And we won! I am thankful for everything he did for me and his team was amazing. Thank you!

Hi, I’m Scott Kolligian

My team is here to help

I understand how complicated the disability claims process can be for public employees in Columbus. That’s why I’ve spent my entire career fighting to make it easier. Over the last 15 years, my team and I have helped thousands of people like you obtain disability benefits from Ohio’s public employee pension funds.

Whether you’re just getting started or received a recent denial, we can help you navigate through the OPERS, SERS, or STRS disability claims process.

Frequently Asked Questions

about OPERS DISABILITY

What does a disability lawyer do?

A skilled and experienced disability lawyer will speak with the disabled worker personally to make sure he or she fully understands the impact that all medical conditions have on the worker’s ability to perform his or her (or any) job. The lawyer will then put together a thorough plan to gather all of the evidence needed to support the worker’s application or appeal for disability benefits. This includes reviewing all forms and medical records to identify issues before they become a problem. The lawyer will work with the disabled worker’s medical team to obtain necessary certifications from the providers without taking up their valuable time. A disability lawyer should have experience with appealing denials, attending hearings to present arguments on the disabled worker’s behalf, and even challenging cases in court where it is appropriate and necessary.

What are my chances of getting disability with a lawyer?

This is an extremely difficult question to answer because every case comes with its own challenges and unique differences. However, under no circumstances should your chances of recovering disability fall because you hired a lawyer. Even in cases where the medical evidence supporting disability is incredibly strong, an experienced disability attorney should be able to help you avoid unnecessary delays like problems with forms being rejected, difficulties obtaining certifications of disability from your doctors, or even delays caused by medical records departments not sending the medical file to the medical review board.

Can I get OPERS Disability and Social Security at the same time?

While it is possible that someone can receive both OPERS disability and Social Security disability at the same time, it is very rare. OPERS disability requires that you have worked for a minimum of 5 years in the public sector and that you submit an application for disability within 2 years of the date you were last paid by your public employer. Social Security disability, on the other hand, requires that you have worked and paid “substantial wages” into Social Security in 20 quarters (think 5 years) out of the 10 years prior to your disability. Even if you do qualify for both, a provision called WEP, the Windfall Elimination Provision, will reduce your Social Security disability benefits due to your receipt of the public disability benefits.

What can you get disability for under OPERS?

Nearly any medical condition (or combination of conditions), if properly supported by the medical records, can qualify someone for a disability benefit. The important requirements for a condition to be disabling are that it must be “permanent” (which simply means it should last at least 1 full year or more), and must be identified on the form that your doctor must fill out to certify that you are not capable of performing your last public employment position.

How do I qualify for OPERS Disability?

To qualify for a disability through OPERS, you must have at least 5 years of service in the public sector (unless you are in law enforcement and injured in the line of duty), have a condition (or conditions) that are expected to last at least one year, and have a doctor (an MD or DO) certify that your conditions prevent you from performing your last job in the public sector. OPERS will review this information, will likely have you evaluated by one of its doctors, and then will issue a determination on whether it agrees that you are unable to perform the duties of your last job. If so, you will qualify for a disability benefit, subject to reviews and even a change in the definition of disability down the road.

How long do I have to work for OPERS to get a disability pension?

Typically, you must have 5 years of public service before being covered for a disability benefit. Your disability must occur within 2 years of your final public sector pay. However, special rules apply to law enforcement who become disabled earlier if the disability was due to a line of duty injury. 

How long do you have to be off before you can go on OPERS disability?

You can continue working while applying for a public sector disability. You do not have to quit or even take medical leave before applying for a disability benefit. Once your disability is approved, however, you must resign your position by the end of the month after your disability is approved.

Recovery Starts Here

get the OPERS disability benefits you deserve in Columbus.

Request Free Consultation

Meet with me, not a case manager. I will help you determine the best possible way to present your claim and maximize your benefits.

Build Your Claim

We coordinate with medical providers and other experts, submit your documentation, and communicate with decision-makers directly.

Get Your Benefits

We help you obtain the compensation and long-term care you need to re-establish yourself as a reliable financial provider for your family.

explore other practice areas

I Need Help with SSI or Social Security Disability

SSD | SSI

I Have a Disability Insurance Policy Through Work

STD | LTD | ERISA

I Have a Private Disability Insurance Policy

STD | LTD

Apply Quickly. Obtain Benefits. Recover With Dignity.

During your consultation, I will personally review your case, explain the best way to proceed with your claim, and connect you with community resources to help provide immediate relief.

That’s our promise

Apply Quickly. Obtain Benefits. Recover With Dignity.

During your consultation, I will personally review your case, explain the best way to proceed with your claim, and connect you with community resources to help provide immediate relief.

That’s our promise

Need Help Understanding the STATE DISABILITY CLAIMS PROCESS?

With this free resource, you’ll be able to quickly identify which programs you’re eligible for, learn simple tips to help you build a stronger claim, and determine when it’s a good idea to seek legal representation.     

By requesting a copy of The Ohio Disability Guide: Understanding the Claims Process in Less Than 10 Minutes, you are authorizing Scott M. Kolligian, Esq., to contact you via the email address provided. You may opt-out at any time .

Have peace of mind with your OPERS Disability in Columbus, OH

As a public employee in Columbus who has served the state of Ohio, you deserve to receive the OPERS, STRS, and SERS disability claims that you are eligible for.

The problem is finding an Ohio attorney who is on your side and helps simplify the claims process.

That’s where Scott Kolligian Esq. comes in. We understand how difficult it is to navigate the paperwork, claims process, and other legal work that needs to be done for these benefits. 

Our office takes care of the hard work to make the process as simple as possible and get you the OPERS benefits you deserve as quickly as possible.

If you live in the City of Columbus or nearby, our goal is to help you be able to get back to enjoying the sights and attractions quickly! We know there is a lot to do in the area, including:

  • Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
  • Easton Town Center
  • COSI (Center of Science & Industry)
  • North Market Farmer’s Market
  • Scioto Mile
  • German Village
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Ohio Theater
  • Otherworld Museum
  • Columbus Museum of Art
  • Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
  • Nationwide Arena
  • And many more tours, restaurants, and museums to visit and experience!

Experience Columbus puts it this way:

“Columbus is a city built on bold ideas and fueled by relentless optimism. As a community, we tend to dream big. We let nothing stop us from turning today’s dreams into better tomorrows. We’re excited to reveal to a wider audience all that’s possible when you Live Forward by sharing the thrilling opportunities available to all types of travelers in Columbus.”

With a population of almost 1 million people, Columbus is the state capital and largest city in Ohio. Covering over 225 square miles of land and water, the city is located in Central Ohio and is home to Ohio State University. 

The city has a growing economy with multiple Fortune 500 companies calling it home: Alliance Data, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, American Electric Power, L Brands, Huntington Bancshares, and Cardinal Health. It also contains multiple manufacturing, industrial, and banking facilities as well.

We provide OPERS disability attorney work for all of Columbus-area zip codes including 43002, 43004, 43016, 43017, 43026, 43035, 43054, 43065, 43068, 43081, 43082, 43085, 43109, 43110, 43119, 43123, 43125, 43137, 43147, 43201, 43202, 43203, 43204, 43205, 43206, 43207, 43209, 43210, 43211, 43212, 43213, 43214, 43215, 43217, 43219, 43220, 43221, 43222, 43223, 43224, 43227, 43228, 43229, 43230, 43231, 43232, 43235, 43240, and other surrounding zip codes.

Our services are for all Ohio public employees in Columbus, including the neighborhoods of Downtown Columbus, The Short North, South Side, South East, East Side, Clintonville, Southwest Columbus, West Side, Northside and Northwest Columbus, University District, Northeast Columbus, Glenbrook, Far East Neighborhoods, Far North & Northland, Arena District, Brewery District, Franklinton, German Village, Victorian Village, and many other neighborhoods.