Q. I retired in 2006. Now in 2018 have worked enough time to get a Social Security check. Can I apply for it without penalizing my U.S. Postal Service retirement annuity?
Author Reg Jones
Reg Jones
Reg Jones was head of retirement and insurance policy at the Office of Personnel Management. Email your retirement-related questions to fedexperts@federaltimes.com.
Q. I am a General Schedule 7 step 9 now. Should I look for another job before I reach step 10, so I don’t stagnate at that level?
Q. I have read conflicting views on whether the Voluntary Separation Incentives Payments (VSIPs) and annual leave payments are subject to the earnings test. Other sites report under Office of Personnel Management rules monies you earn in the year in which you retire are not subject. Does this mean if I retire in March and lump sum payment for annual leave and a VSIP is paid that year, it does not count against my supplement?
Q. I currently have 27 1/2 years of government service and am age of 46. Can I retire under FERS? If not, when am I eligible to fully retire?
Q. I retired from federal service in 2006 under the CSRS program. My first wife received half my pension until her death. In 2013 I remarried a federal retiree who is under the FERS program. If one of us pass first, will the survivor be eligible for any of our spouse’s pension?
Q. Due to sloppy record keeping on my part I do not have the doctor’s statement to apply for FERS disability retirement. Are there independent doctors from whom I can get a second opinion?
Q. I’ve just received notice that I am eligible for VERA at the U.S. Postal Service and adding up my years found that I’ve been with the Postal Service for 19 years and 6 months. However, I just turned 53 and I bought my military time of 3 years when I first entered the Postal Service. Retirement would be possible if I qualify for SRS. Do I qualify for the SRS? And If I do, when does it go into effect?
Q. I have enrolled in GEHA insurance for the first time. I had BC/BS before as a retiree and switched because of cost. Can you tell me if dental is covered by it automatically or is it separate?
Q. What happens to your own annuity if you elect a survivor annuity? And what happens to your annuity if your spouse dies?
Q. I’m retiring and have been enrolled in the FEHB program for over five years. Can I stay on BCBS Federal coverage along with Part A Medicare for as long as I please? I’m thinking of keeping BCBS instead of Medicare Part B or any other supplemental program. Is that a good idea?