Q. I now have 22 years of federal civil service and I’m 46 years old. Instead of retiring at 30 years’ service and taking early retirement at 25 years service (obviously I’m FERS). I understand I will lose 5 percent per year. Does this mean I lose 5 percent for the first five years of my retirement and then I gain it back when I’m 56 years old for good?
A. The reduction is permanent.