Q. I am a federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security. I have 18 years on and am 47 years old. If the furlough goes into effect, and they offer early-outs, is there a way for me to take it? Will I lose a huge chunk of my retirement? Will the deferred annuity work for me? I have a couple of prospects for private-sector employment with great benefit packages. I just would like to know is it worth staying the last two years.
A. You don’t meet the age and service requirements for early retirement: age 50 with 20 years or at any age with 25. Your options are to stay until you are eligible for the enhanced law enforcement officer retirement benefit or leave and apply for a deferred retirement when you reach age 62, which would be computed using the standard annuity formula.
