Browsing: DOWNSIZING

Q: I retired at the end of August 2010 and my agency is now offering a buyout for early retirement. Am I eligible for the buyout bonus? I meet the age and service requirements for voluntary early retirement. A: No. The sole purpose of a buyout is to entice employees to leave or retire. No incentive other than an offer of early retirement was needed to get you to retire. You can hardly expect an after-the-fact reward for having done so. Besides, the law wouldn’t permit it.

Q: Is there any regulation that prevents a BRAC-affected activity from offering Voluntary Early Retirement Authorities or buyouts? A: No, there isn’t any regulation that would prevent the offer of early retirement or buyouts; nor is there any requirement that they be offered.

Q: You stated in an earlier response to someone that if they accepted a buyout and returned to federal service sooner than five years, they’d have to repay “what they received” plus accrued interest.  However, what I “received” from my buyout after taxes was only about $16,000. Isn’t it true I’d have to repay the entire $25,000 if I returned early? My second question is, when was the $25,000 threshold first established, and why hasn’t it ever been adjusted for inflation? A: I should have been clearer. If you return to work before five years have passed, you would have…

Q: I was recently offered voluntary early retirement from the U.S. Postal Service. I have 30 1/2 years of credible service, I am under the Federal Employees Retirement System, and I am 51 years old. I am also considered a reduction-in-force employee because our district office has been closed. Do I qualify for the special retirement supplement? A: You would be eligible for the special retirement supplement when you reach your minimum retirement age, which is 56.

Q: I am 61 years old and have 31 years of federal service under the Civil Service Retirement System. I plan to retire in April 2012. Does it look like we will be offered a buyout? If so, is there anything that would keep me from being part of the offer? A: We have no information about which agencies, if any, will be offering buyouts, and even less information about which employees would be offered one. However, if you were offered one, nothing would prevent you from accepting it. The fact that you are already eligible to retire is irrelevant.

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