Q: I was in the Navy for five years. I then worked at the U.S. Postal Service under FERS for seven years, during which time I bought back my military time with the deposit. After Sept. 11, 2001, I went into the Army and I will retire with 20 years active service. Who do I need to contact to get a refund for my five years deposit with the postal service?
A: While you can’t get a refund solely of your deposit for active-duty service, you can get a refund of your contributions and deposits to the retirement fund. Download a copy of Standard Form 3106, Application for Refund of Retirement Deductions at www.opm.gov/forms, fill it out, and send it to OPM. Alternatively, you can leave that money in the retirement fund and apply for a deferred annuity at age 62.
