Q. I have nine years’ active-duty time from 1991-1998 and 2001-2003. I am now interviewing for a Civil Service position and want to know how much it will cost me to buy back those years toward retirement. I keep reading that deposits have to be made, but I can’t find a description of what that means. How much will it cost me to buy back my nine years? When does that amount have to be paid? Before I start, during my employment or at retirement? And if I buy back nine years, when will I be eligible for retirement?
A. I wrote two columns on this in April. You can access them at http://blogs.federaltimes.com/federal-retirement/?s=Getting+civilian+retirement.
