Q. I’m a dual-status federal/air technician in the Air National Guard. I’m 52 with 27 years of federal service and a minimum retirement age of 56. I failed my physical fitness test requirement due to a knee injury. I’m fully capable of doing my federal job during the week, just not able to pass the military physical fitness requirements. I was told that due to my age and years in federal service (human resources called in the 75 rule), I will not be able to file for disability claim. What are my options?
A. Because you meet the age and service requirements for early retirement, you can either retire voluntarily or involuntarily. In either case, your annuity would be computed using the standard FERS formula: .01 x high-3 x years and full months of service. There wouldn’t be any age-based reduction in your annuity. When you reach age 56, you’d begin receiving the special retirement supplement, which approximates the Social Security benefit you earned while a FERS employee.
