Q. I am 47 years old with 27 years of service with the Postal Service. I have been offered a Voluntary Early Retirement Authority so that an organizational restructuring can occur. Would this be considered the same as a reduction in force? Would I be eligible for the special retirement supplement because I am a FERS employee? If so, what age would I be eligible to receive the SRS? Immediately upon retirement, or down the road? Also, how would this affect my Social Security benefits?
A. If you accepted an offer of early retirement, you would be eligible for the special retirement supplement when you reach your minimum retirement age, which is 56 and four months. Receiving the SRS would have no effect on your Social Security benefit. The SRS ends at age 62 when you are first eligible for a Social Security benefit.
