Q. I am a FERS employee with 24 years of service; I am 49. I started at the IRS in May 1987, and my birthday is in October 1962. My agency may offer an early out very shortly. However, it appears I miss the 20 years/age 50 or the 25 years/any age requirement by less than one year. Is there any way I can take the early out if offered and pay the 5-percent penalty in order to qualify for the early out, and get an immediate annuity? If yes, would I still get my health insurance? Or am I totally out of luck at this time?
A: You are totally out of luck. Because you will have fewer than 20 years of service, you aren’t eligible for early retirement.
