Q: I am a Civil Service Retirement System Offset annuitant hired in 1968. In 1985, our branch of government was taken over by the private sector. The private sector bought all of my federal service. In 2002, there was a reduction In force. I was eligible for an early retirement at age 51 and therefore receive two retirement checks: One for federal service and the other for my time purchased by the private sector. As a CSRS Offset employee, at age 62 I am subject to the Offset Social Security calculations but also have the same time purchased by the private sector. What type of Social Security will I be entitled to?
A: You will receive a Social Security benefit based on all your Social Security-covered employment. However, because you were covered by CSRS Offset (CSRS and Social Security), your CSRS benefit will be reduced by the amount of Social Security benefit you earned while covered by CSRS Offset. To find out what that reduction would be, go to www.FEDbens.us and use the handy software you’ll find there.
