Q. I started my federal government career in September 1986 in a non-law enforcement position. In November 1989, I became an 1811 and have remained in the job series to the present. In September, I will have 25 years of federal service (three non law enforcement and 22 law enforcement). I will be 48 in October.
Am I eligible to retire this year with 25 years of government service, or do I have to wait until 2013 when I am 50? I am getting conflicting information from my agency and OPM, and then from retirement planning instructors working for the USDA Graduate School.
A: You will have to wait until you are age 50. Law enforcement officers can retire at age 50 with 20 years of LEO-covered service or at any age with 25 years of LEO-covered service. Non-LEO service doesn’t count when determining that retirement eligibility.
