Q. I am confused concerning alternative retirement. One person in the benefits department says one thing and then another person tells me something different. I have a disability which is critical and life-threatening. I was told I could get a lump sum and no monthly annuities for alternative retirement. Is this true? I am 62 years old.
A. The alternative form of annuity is payable to any employee who has a life-threatening condition resulting in a life expectancy of less than two years. To read more about it go to www.opm.gov/retirement-services/publications-forms/csrsfers/c053.pdf. To find out which medical conditions qualify, go to www.opm.gov/retire/faq/glossary.asp.
