Q. My agency (Interior) has put out notice it will be offering a Voluntary Early Retirement Authority to all employees ending in September. My service computation date is Sept. 19, 1984. I have over 20 years in covered 6c (law enforcement) positions, and over 25 in federal service. I am 46 years old. I qualify based on the 25 years at any age for VERA. However, I am wondering if I will receive the enhanced annuity under 5 USC 8415(d) for the over 20 years law enforcement service. (I do not have 25 years covered 6c as stated in 5 USC 8412(d)). Also, I am wondering if I will get the FERS supplement earlier than the minimum retirement age.
5 USC 8414(b)(3) states “Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an employee entitled to an annuity under subsection (d) or (e) of section 8412.” I am not entitled to an annuity under 8412(d) because I do not have the 25 years 6c, but I do have over 20 years covered time. Will I receive the enhanced annuity computed under 8415(d) and the FERS annuity supplement if I retire under VERA?
A. The law is clear. If you retire before you meet the statutory age and service requirements (age 50 with 20 years of service or 25 years of service at any age), your annuity will be calculated using the standard formula, not the enhanced formula. Further, you wouldn’t be eligible for the special retirement supplement until you reached you minimum retirement age.
