Q. I worked for the Long Beach Naval shipyard from 1980 thru 1995, when they had a reduction in force. I chose to leave and was paid a severance when I elected not to go into the Personnel Placement program. What retirement benefits are available to me and where can I find out more information? I am currently 56 years old and am looking to retire soon.
A. If you received a refund of your retirement contributions when you left, you wouldn’t be entitled to anything. If you didn’t, you would be entitled to a deferred annuity at age 62. To apply for that benefit, you’d have to complete the Office of Personnel Management Form 1486a and send it to OPM two months before you reach your 62nd birthday.
