Q: I have 31 years of credible federal service and am 51 years of age. I would like to take an early retirement. I have been told I can take a “deferred retirement” until 2010 (56 years of age) without penalty. However, I cannot locate any formal OPM documents that clearly state this is accurate. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
A: The information you are looking for will be found at www.opm.gov/retire/pubs/handbook/C045.pdf. Assuming that you are covered by FERS, you would be able to receive a deferred retirement at your minimum retirement age. If you are covered by CSRS, you wouldn’t be eligible until age 62. Note: FERS deferred retirees aren’t eligible to receive the special retirement supplement. Neither FERS nor CSRS deferred retirees are eligible to re-enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits or Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program.
