Q. I retired from the Veterans Affairs Department two years ago after 35 years of service. My service was interrupted for several years and, when I came back, it was under the CSRS Offset plan. I will turn 62 in October, but I do not want to start drawing my Social Security at that time. Will my retirement check be cut (the offset amount) even if I do not choose to start drawing my Social Security?
A. The law is clear. When you become eligible for a Social Security benefit at age 62, your CSRS annuity will be reduced by the amount of Social Security benefit you earned while covered by CSRS Offset. The reduction occurs regardless of whether or not you apply for that benefit.
