Monthly Archives: December, 2012

Q. I’m 50 and have 21 years of federal government service under FERS. If my agency offers Voluntary Early Retirement Authority next year, which I expect it will, I’ll probably accept. My high-3 average is $100,000, I’ll have 22 years of service, and my Thrift Savings Plan is around $200,000. 1. Can I receive my FERS annuity ($22,000/year) as soon as I officially retire, without penalty? 2. Can I receive FERS supplemental annuity from when I’m 57 (minimum retirement age) to 62? 3. Can I receive my Social Security from as early as 62 (or, if I choose, 67 or 70)? A. 1. Yes. 2.…

Q. I am a 65-year-old federal employee on the CSRS retirement plan. I plan to retire next month after 39 years in the government. I have earned 20 quarters of Social Security credits but need 20 more to qualify for any benefits. Would it be worth my while to work for five more years (20 quarters) in private industry to qualify for these benefits, or will it all be offset by the CSRS retirement? If I choose to work, what is the minimum amount of money I have to make each year or what is the minimum number of hours…

Q. My husband has been declared disabled and begins Medicare A and B on Jan. 1. I am a current federal employee with plans to retire in about six years. Will my husband’s Medicare be primary for him, or will my Blue Cross/Blue Shield? I called BCBS to inform them of him becoming Medicare eligible, and they told me I would have to call back in November. I then asked if they pay what Medicare doesn’t, and they said they will be the primary for my husband. I don’t understand this and am wondering why. A. Medicare will be primary…

My Nov. 12 column reviewed the Civil Service Retirement System rules for law enforcement officers and firefighters. This column does the same for the Federal Employees Retirement System. A law enforcement officer (LEO), as defined by the Office of Personnel Management, is an employee in “a rigorous position” whose duties are the investigation, apprehension or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of criminal offenses, or the protection of U.S. officials against threats to personal safety. This definition does not include an employee whose primary duties involve maintaining order, protecting life and property, guarding against or inspecting for violations of law,…

1 14 15 16