Q. I started with the Postal Service in September 1983. In July 1984, I volunteered for FERS. We were offered a bonus or percentage difference for switching. Could you please explain?
A. What you did was elect to be covered by FERS instead of CSRS. By so doing, you entered a separate retirement system, one where the benefits were less but the rules for retirement were more flexible. You also received government contributions to your Thrift Savings Plan account and matching contributions up to a certain level if you contributed to the TSP.
