Q. I am 44 years old, and I am covered under FERS with a scheduled leave date of November 1985 but did not start working full time until August 1989. I recently enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits plan, as my wife’s insurance coverage was better than FEHB. If offered, would I be eligible for a VERA/VSIP without any penalty?
A. Yes. Although you worked part time for several years, your service computation date shows that you were given full-time credit for those years of service. The only effect of having worked part time is that your annuity will be reduced proportionately to account for your period of less than full-time service.
You mention having recently enrolled in the FEHB program. Please be aware that you will only be able to carry that coverage into retirement if you were enrolled before your agency’s latest offer of early retirement.
