Q. I am 51 years old, a retired active reservist with 20 years active duty and receiving my pension as of January 2011. I am also a federal employee under FERS and have paid back 14 years active duty for retirement credit. I plan on retiring from the federal government in 2014. Will I receive both pensions? How do I know which one pays more?
A. Yes, you will receive both benefits without a reduction in either. Why you want to know which benefit pays more escapes me. You will get what you are entitled to under each retirement system. Most FERS retirees can find out what their annuity will be by using the standard formula: 0.01 x high-3 x years and full months of service (both FERS and active duty purchased through a deposit). Since this is a civilian site, I have no idea how your reserve retired pay will be calculated. You’ll have to check with your branch of service.
