Q. I served four years active duty from 1972 to 1976. I started working for the Veterans Administration in 1983 until current under CSRS. Human Resources at that time was having issues and the staff overhauled. I was not informed about the military buyback until several years later, when I was told it was called Catch-62. I am told I now have 34 years federal time, however only the 30 years at VA count toward retirement pension. I sent the forms to check what I would have to pay back, and was told it is around $6,000 because of the…
Q. In 2015, I will reach my minimum retirement age (56) with 26+ years of creditable FERS service. If a VERA is offered any time that I’m 56 to 60 (when I will have reached full age and time requirements) would I get the special retirement supplement until age 62? If yes, then from 56-62, I would get: FERS immediate annuity (no penalty under a VERA) Thrift Savings Plan annuity (no penalty under a VERA) special retirement supplement (under a VERA). Also during these years there is really no cost-of-living adjustment for any of the above, correct? Also, under a…
Q. If someone uses the Family and Medical Leave Act beyond the 80 hours leave-without-pay duration, will it delay their within-grade increase date?
Q. I am 58 years old with 22 years of service. If I elect to leave the service before I reach my 60th birthday, can I retire on my 60th birthday under a deferred retirement, or do I need to wait until my 62nd birthday? Will I have any penalties for leaving before my 60th birthday?
Q. What is the formula for calculating the FERS annuity percentage? I work for the Postal Service and have 28 years of service at age 53 (minimum retirement age 56). I heard the FERS annuity percentage was 1 percent x (high-3 average wages) x years of service. However, I also heard unused sick leave changes the percentage, and if you have over 2,080 hours saved and returned, it changes the percentage from 1 percent to 2 percent. I thought the unused sick leave only increased your years of service, but others tell me it increases the percentage.
Q. I’ve worked 10 years as a government employee, and I’m 58 years old. Can I retire early?
Q. I served in the Army (active duty) from 1982 to 1986 and bought this time back. I have worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for six years and with the Army Corps of Engineers for 13 years for a total of 23 years. After my active duty, I served in the Army Reserve for two years (1987-88). Does the time I went on weekend drill for two years and the time I went on annual two-week training count as federal time? Can I buy back this time?
Q. I’m a Postal Service employee with 25 years at age 45. If an early-out is offered and I accept, do I get the special retirement supplement at my minimum retirement age, 57?
Q. I am retiring from the Air Force on Sept. 1. How many days out can I accept a civil service job and when can I start working? My terminal leave starts July 15.
Q. I resigned from the Postal Service in August 2005. My start date was Jan. 15, 1975. My pension was placed into a deferred annuity. I understand this annuity is maintained somewhere in Pennsylvania. Can you tell me the address of this place? Will I be able to draw my pension at the age of 60 or 62?