Q: I was a postal employee for 12 years, 1984-1996, and then was
involuntarily separated. I am now 61 and thinking about finances after retirement. Am I eligible for my USPS vested annuity – and if so, when can I begin receiving it? And how do I determine how much that annuity would be?
A: If you didn’t receive a refund of your retirement contributions when you left, you’d be eligible for a deferred annuity when you reach age 62. The amount would be computed using the following formula: 0.01 x your high-3 on the day you left x your years and full months of creditable service. To receive that benefit, fill out a copy of Standard Form 3107, Application for Immediate Retirement, and submit it to OPM two months before your 62nd birthday. You can download a copy of the form atwww.opm.gov, click on Find Form(s). Note: If you did receive a refund of your retirement contributions, you wouldn’t be eligible for any benefit.
