Buying back time for military service

2

Q. I am trying to get information regarding the buyback program. I served in the military for four years and got medically retired. I receive compensation from Veterans Affairs, so I thought that it would be a good idea to buy back my time. Could you tell me if this buyback is beneficial for a FERS employee?

A. The simple answer is that you would have four more years of creditable service and, at retirement, your annuity would be 4 percent higher.

Share.

About Author

Reg Jones was head of retirement and insurance policy at the Office of Personnel Management. Email your retirement-related questions to fedexperts@federaltimes.com.

2 Comments

    • If you are were employed before October 1, 1982, you’ll automatically get credit for it in determining your eligibility to retire. As a result, your SCD will be moved back to an earlier date to accommodate that period of service. On the other hand, if you were employed on or after October 1, 1982, you won’t get any credit for it unless you make a deposit. If you do, your SCD will be adjusted accordingly.

Reply To Reg Jones Cancel Reply