Q. I am a FERS with 21 years service and age 51 with an minimum retirement age of 56. Say I retire under the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or Voluntary Separation Incentive Program prior to the end of 2012 and work elsewhere (not federal). Since I would not be receiving an annuity between retirement at age 51 and annuity eligibility at age 56, would any earned income above $14,640 during those five years have a delayed effect on my annuity from 56 to 62?
A. No. The earnings limit only applies when you are receiving either the special retirement supplement or a Social Security benefit. In the latter case, the earnings limit only applies until you reach your full Social Security retirement age.
