Q. I am a FERS employee. My minimum retirement age is 56, at which time I would have 27 years of service. I am considering retiring on a possible Voluntary Early Retirement Authority offer at age 55, with 26 years of service. I have done a little research on the Social Security supplement for FERS employees, which is paid until you reach age 62. Under a VERA, would I be eligible for this supplement at age 55, or at my MRA of 56? If at 56, could I still retire at age 55 under a VERA, and postpone the supplement until age 56?
A. By law, the special retirement supplement is only payable at an eligible retiree’s MRA. If you accept early retirement before that, you’ll have to wait until you reach your MRA to receive the SRS.
