Q. I am 52 with 28 years’ service in the Postal Service. I have been offered a VERA. If I don’t take the VERA, I can stay for two more years before I am part of a reduction in force. I have been told I will be eligible for discontinued service retirement after I receive my RIF notice. If events required me to defer retirement, would I be able to pick up health insurance when I am 56? Would I even be able to start the annuity at 56 or have to wait till I am 62?
A. Whether you accept the VERA and retire voluntarily or wait for the RIF and retire involuntarily, you’d receive an immediate annuity and be able to carry your FEHB coverage into retirement.
