Q. I worked for the Department of the Navy as a GS-11 for five years but left in 1991. I have an SF-50 that says “completed service requirement for Career Tenure from 07-17-88 to 07-17-91.” However, I actually started with the Navy on Aug. 28, 1986, and my final resignation papers have an effective date of Sept. 24, 1991. I’m hoping to return to federal service but want to know if I am eligible at this point for any retirement benefits in the future.
A. If you completed at least five years of creditable service and didn’t take a refund of your retirement contributions in the retirement fund when you left, you’d be eligible for a deferred annuity when you reach age 62.
