Q. I’ve been with the U.S. Postal Service over 16 years under FERS and am 63 years of age. I injured myself on the job and am currently on workman’s comp and working part-time. I injured my back and was diagnosed permanent for my back injury. My question is what would be more beneficial: disability retirement or regular retirement. Would I lose my retirement benefits choosing disability retirement?
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. If the federal government fails (as it has many times) to pass a federal budget and a continuing resolution remains in place, how will this affect the supplement for those employees (soon to be retirees) under FERS?
Q. I am a 74 year old under the old Civil Service Retirement System. I do not get Social Service benefits due to the offset law. When and if my husband, who is 83, dies, am I entitled to any of his Social Security benefit or a death benefit?
Q. My wife is 60 years old, has 28 years FERS service with the Internal Revenue Service, and has been offered a VERA and a VSIP effective Dec. 31, 2017, Can she then apply after December 31 for Social Security disability?
Q. I am 61 years old with 20 years of federal service. I am trying to figure out whether I retire now or closer to 62. My plan was to retire next year at the end of July, but I am interested in the supplement that is not granted until I am 62. I am not too happy at my job right now and am thinking about getting out a little earlier. What advice do you have?
Q. I retired on FERS disability at age 45 with 18 years of service. I am now 56. How and when will my disability be recalculated to a regular retirement? I also receive Social Security disability minus the offset for age. Will I get my full retirement and full Social Security benefits when I am eligible?
Q. I am married and my spouse was on my FEHB plan, but she dropped it and went on her employee health care plan years ago. I am now retired from the federal government. Can I put her on my FEHB plan during open season?
Q. My ex-wife will receive a portion of my CSRS annuity as ordered by our divorce settlement. Since she was not a federal employee is her share of the annuity subject to the windfall elimination provision? Mine will be, but since her share will come directly to her from the Office of Personnel Management is her share also subject to the WEP?
Q. I am a CSRS annuitant who retired with a Federal Employee Health Benefits family plan in 2010. In 2016, my spouse, who is a federal employee, enrolled in the FEHB Program and I suspended my FEHB enrollment because she picked up our family plan that included myself. My spouse is going to retire in April 2018, and from what I have read she won’t meet the five-year criteria prior to retiring to keep FEHB. What is the procedure to re-enroll as an annuitant in the FEHBP so my spouse and family does not lose coverage? Does her ineligibility, by…
Q. I am a CSRS annuitant who retired with a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) family plan in 2010. In 2016, my spouse, who is a federal employee, enrolled in the FEHB and I suspended my FEHB enrollment because she picked up our family plan including myself. What is my procedure to re-enroll, as an annuitant, in the FEHB? When should I do this?