Q. I am retiring at 57, the mandatory retirement under FERS for law enforcement. I know there is something called the first year rule; will the special retirement supplement I receive for approximately five years be subject to the earnings limit? I heard the supplement is not subject to it, but when I reach age 62 and the supplement ends, any Social Security I receive will be subject to it. Can you clarify if the supplement law enforcement officers receive under FERS if retiring at the mandatory retirement age is subject to earnings test? If so, when?
A. What you were told was incorrect. While a special category employee who retires before reaching his minimum retirement age can earn as much as he wants without affecting the special retirement supplement, when he reaches his MRA, the Social Security earnings test will apply without exception.
