Q. I am 51 and a postmaster with 29 years in CSRS. I was told my office at USPS will go to four hours in 2014 (I will be 53). If I don’t find another job in the Postal Service before 2014 and am terminated due to reducing my office to a non-postmaster office, can I collect a immediate annuity and keep my health insurance?
A. If you are involuntarily separated, you will be eligible for an immediate annuity. The same is true if you are offered an opportunity to retire early. If you have been covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program for five consecutive years when you retire, you can carry that coverage into retirement. If you have fewer than five consecutive years, you may be eligible for a waiver of that requirement.