Q. I am 61 and will be 62 in September. I would like to retire at age 62. I have eight years of federal civilian service and bought back three years and eight months of military service. I know I cannot retire until I am 62. Due to a current civil legal action that I have, I would like to resign my position within the next 30 to 60 days. This would mean a deferred annuity with a retirement date of Sept. 30. My boss is looking to suspend me from duty without pay due to this situation pending the final results of my civil action. What will I be losing by resigning and not waiting until my retirement date, even if I am suspended from duty without pay? Should I just stay on suspension and submit for retirement for the end of September?
A. I can’t advise you about what to do. What I can tell you is this: If you resign and apply for a deferred annuity at age 62, you won’t receive any credit for your unused sick leave when your annuity is computed.
Further, if you are currently enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, you won’t be able to re-enroll in it when your annuity begins.
