Q. I worked as a temp from 1989 to 1994, when I was finally hired permanent, paying into FERS. What measure was passed disallowing me to deposit (make up) my FERS payment after Jan. 1, 1989? I’m losing five years toward my FERS retirement date while others before 1989 are allowed to buy back. It doesn’t seem fair that some can buy back their temp time and other can’t. I suspect during the hiring freeze in those days, there would be too many buying back those years, correct?
A. Under FERS, periods of nondeduction service performed on or after Jan. 1, 1989, aren’t creditable for either eligibility or computation purposes, nor may you make a deposit to get credit for that time.
