Q. Are there any benefits available if one leaves federal service early — 15+ years but two years shy of their minimum retirement age?
A. If you are enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits or Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance plans, you’d receive 31 days of free coverage. You’d then have the option of continuing your FEHB coverage for up to 18 months in your current or any other plan through the temporary continuation of coverage provision. Under TCC, you’d be required to pay the entire premium, plus 2 percent for administrative expenses.
While you couldn’t continue your FEGLI coverage, you would be offered the opportunity to convert to a private policy.
Because you have at least 10 years of service, if you left your retirement contributions in the fund, you would be eligible for a deferred annuity at age 62.
