Q. I’m a civil service employee covered by FERS. My agency is offering Voluntary Early Retirement Authority/Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay. I am 62 and receiving military retired pay. I’ve been told that I’m not eligible for either VERA or VSIP because I’m receiving military retired pay. Is that true?
A. Not that I’m aware of. According to the Office of Personnel Management:
Employees in the following categories are not eligible for VSIP. Employees who:
1. Are re-employed annuitants;
2. Have a disability such that the individual is or would be eligible for disability retirement;
3. Have received a decision notice of involuntary separation for misconduct or poor performance;
4. Previously received any VSIP from the federal government;
5. During the 36-month period preceding the date of separation, performed service for which a student loan repayment benefit was paid, or is to be paid;
6. During the 24-month period preceding the date of separation, performed service for which a recruitment or relocation incentive was paid, or is to be paid; and
7. During the 12-month period preceding the date of separation, performed service for which a retention incentive was paid, or is to be paid.
