Q. I have seen several posts and info on waiving military retirement pay when buying back military time; however, the timing is not clear. When does the military retirement pay need to stop — at the time of deposit payment(s) or at the time of the actual FERS retirement date? I am currently receiving military retirement pay and working for the federal government; I am considering buying back time to consolidate into FERS retirement.
A. If you want to waive your military retired pay, you must send the waiver request to the Defense Finance Accounting Service for your branch of service at least 90 days but no later than 60 days before your planned date of retirement.
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I am receiving retirement pay from military as an E-7, 23 years of service. I started working in civil service and currently a GS13 on the FERS. I will have 20 years of civil service at age 62 yr 2027. I thought it may be beneficial to me to use 43 years of service and waive my retirement check and add those years to my higher pay as a GS13? I’ve looked for calculators and advice from others. I know i have to determine how much that payment will be for military credit and loss of my current retirement pay to see if it is beneficial but hoping to see if you know of any pros/cons of this situation?
Your decision should be based on dollars and cents. First determine how much it would cost you to make a deposit to get credit for that time. Then calculate the difference in your annuity with and without making a deposit. Then estimate your life expectancy. That will help you to decide where the break even point will be.