Q. In a recent post, you answer that if given a specific reduction in force notice and you have the combination of age and service needed for immediate or early retirement, you can retire. Would this be the minimum retirement age and or age 50 with 20 years of service? Will this incur any penalty?
A. If given a specific RIF notice, you can take early retirement if you meet one of the age and service combinations: age 50 with 20 years service or at any age with 25. If you are a FERS employee, there won’t be any age penalty for taking early retirement, If you are a CSRS employee, your annuity will be reduced by 2 percent for every year you are under age 55 (1/6 percent per month).
