Q. When I accepted a buyout, I wasn’t eligible to retire because I was age 48 and only had 20 years of service. I’ll soon be age 60 and will apply for a deferred annuity. When I do that, will I be able to re-enroll in the FEHB program? A. Unfortunately, no. Under current law, deferred annuitants aren’t eligible to re-enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.
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Q. I’m a former federal employee. I received a buyout when I left three years ago. Can I be rehired on a term-appointment basis without paying back that $25,000? A. No. According to OPM: “An employee who receives a VSIP and later accepts employment for compensation with the government of the United States within 5 years of the date of the separation on which the VSIP is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, must repay the entire amount of the VSIP to the agency that paid it – before the individual’s first day of reemployment.”
Q. I recently retired and received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment. If I get another government position, will I be required to pay back the buyout money I received? A. Yes. If you received a buyout and later accept a paying job with the federal government within 5 years of the date of the separation on which that buyout is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, you must repay the entire amount to the agency that paid it to you before your first day of re-employment.
Q. I am currently employed with the Veterans Healthcare Administration, age 60, with more than 21 years of service. How does one go about initiating a request for buyout in the event none is being offered? Is this possible?