Q: I have 2.5 years of credible service with the U.S Postal Service. I will be accepting a GS/GG job very shortly. Does the time count toward vacation or retirement time? What type of documentation do I need to provide when I’m hired in three weeks? A: Yes, it counts. And the information about your prior employment will be included in your official personnel folder (OPF), which either will be forwarded to your new agency or given to you to do that.
Monthly Archives: June, 2011
Q: What are the terminal leave provisions for the last pay period prior to retirement? Is it not possible to use one’s accumulated annual leave (either all or some) instead of receiving the annual leave payment after separation? A: The federal government doesn’t have any terminal leave provisions. The only way you can take annual leave in any amount is if you apply for it and your request is approved by your supervisor.
Q: I am an air traffic controller with the DoD. I will reach 20 years of service at age 59 years and 2 months. As an air traffic controller, I will face mandatory retirement. 1) Since I will not be eligible for Social Security, are there benefit programs available to me to bridge the gap from mandatory retirement to Social Security? 2) Will my civil service government pension impact the amount I receive from Social Security? 3) I draw a military retirement pension; will this pension impact my Social Security benefits? A: You will receive the special retirement supplement, which…
Q: I retired Sept. 29, 2010, under discontinued service as a National Guard Technician and am eligible for an immediate annuity. My military service was from September 1977 through April 1984 (6 ½ years) and my tech service time was from Aug. 11, 1985, through Sept. 29, 2010 (just over 25 years). My military time has been bought back. I was born in 1959 and was 51 years old and 3 months when I retired. Will I get the FERS supplement? A: Yes, you’ll be eligible for the special retirement supplement when you reach your minimum retirement age, which is 56.…
Q: I asked my HR person if I could retire this September and this is the answer: “I’m sorry but you will not be able to retire in September of this year. What you could do is resign and request a deferred annuity from OPM. Your annuity commencement date would be 2/6/2016. Otherwise you will have to wait until 3/13/2012 for voluntary retirement or 2/6/2012 to become eligible for the MRA +10 option.” What is the difference in money and time for starting monthly checks between regular retirement and the MRA + 10 option? A: While there is no difference in…
Q: I was employed as a stenographer/secretary at the FBI in New York City from February, 1967, through May, 1971, resigning to start a family. At the present time, I am a six year, seven month employee of the Township of Andover, in Newton, N.J., a municipality of the State of New Jersey. Is there a possibility that I could buy back my FBI employment time, to add to my New Jersey pension time? If you cannot provide an answer, would you direct me to the proper contact to find out this info? A: First, a redeposit of retirement contributions can only be made…
Q: I am currently a retired CSRS offset employee who is on Social Security disability. My question is when you turn 62, does your disability payment change to regular social security or does it change at 66? I have been told conflicting information. A: As long as you continue to be disabled, you’ll continue to receive a Social Security disability benefit. However, because you were covered by a retirement system where you didn’t pay Social Security taxes — CSRS — when you reach age 62, the windfall elimination provision will reduce the amount of your Social Security disability benefit if…
Q: I am a retired naval officer and have been a civil servant for 15 years. When I ultimately retire from the civil service can I continue to receive my Navy retired pay as well as a civil service pension? A: Yes.
Q: I served 11 years, 8 months as active duty in the USAF. I served from 1983-1995 and was honorably discharged. I joined the Army Reserve Nov. 6, 2009, and am currently still in the reserves. I have elected to take a position with Indian Health Services Hospital, and I have some questions about retirement. 1) I was told I would have to buy back my 11 years and 8 months within three years, otherwise interest would be added on. How much would I have to pay to buy my time? I was an E5 when I was discharged. 2)…
Q: I retired from the Army after 21 years as a Chief Warrant Officer 2, which was a reserve commission; the component I retired from was United States Army Reserve (USAR) and I currently receive a retirement pension/pay. I am currently a government employee. If I buy back my military time and apply it to my civilian time (FERS), do I forfeit my military retirement pay? I believe I am receiving reserve retired pay based on my discussion with DFAS. A: If you are receiving reserve retired pay and make a deposit for any periods of active duty service, it will…