Q: I used to work for the U.S. Postal Service, first as a mail handler, clerk, then a letter carrier. I served for about 10 years. I am 55. What would I do to find out if I have benefits and how could I get them?
A: If you didn’t take a refund of your retirement contributions when you left government, you would be eligible for a deferred annuity at age 62. To apply for it, two months before you reach age 62, you’d need to complete OPM Form 1496A, Application for Deferred Retirement (available at http://opm.gov/froms/pdf_fill/opm1496a.pdf), and send it to the address on the form. If you did take a refund of your contributions, you wouldn’t be entitled to any benefit.
