Q. I was hired as a term employee Dec. 18, 2006, and am now being laid off along with 370 more term employees. I called FERS and they said because of my age, I keep my health insurance and life insurance. The qualifications were five years of service and having FERS, which I do, but I was wondering if that applies to term or temp employees also. I have worked for the Anniston Army Depot, Ala., for six years and three months. The depot is processing us out this week. My birth date is Jan. 5, 1951.
A. Anyone who has retirement deductions taken from his or her pay, is at least age 62, and has at least five years of full-time service can retire on an immediate annuity, whether that retirement is voluntary or involuntary. If you were enrolled in the health benefits and life insurance programs before the authorization to lay off employees was granted, you can continue both of those insurance coverages into retirement.