Q. My husband worked 16 years for the federal government and then left. He also had four years of active-duty service for which he wants to make a deposit. He plans on getting his retirement at 62. He says he can get all his benefits back, including medical, life insurance and a retirement annuity. Is that right?
A. Because your husband wasn’t eligible to retire when he left the government, he would only be eligible for a deferred annuity when he reaches age 62. That’s assuming he didn’t ask for a refund of his retirement contributions when he left. His annuity would be based on his actual civilian service. He wouldn’t be able to make a deposit to get credit for his active-duty service because only employees can do that. Further, when he does retire, he won’t be able to re-enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program or the Federal Employee’s Group Life Insurance programs.
