High-3

0

Q. I am a 35-year CSRS employee in Kabul, Afghanistan [temporary change of station]. My organization approved a negotiated salary that increased my annual pay from $107,000 [GS-13, Step 7] to $115,000 [GS-13, Step 10].

My SF-50 for the change is dated Nov. 18. I am considering retiring Sept. 1, a little more than nine months past the SF-50 date but less than one full year. I am seeking a high-3 calculation of $107,000 + $107,000 + $115,000.

Will I receive full [or 75 percent]credit for the nine-month period as a GS-13, Step 10? Or must I remain in service for an additional three months to get the full “Step 10” credit?

A. I don’t do arithmetic problems. You’ll have to do it yourself using this simple guideline: To find your high-3, add the gross basic pay you earned for the 78 consecutive pay periods before you retire and divide the total by 78.

Share.

About Author

Reg Jones was head of retirement and insurance policy at the Office of Personnel Management. Email your retirement-related questions to fedexperts@federaltimes.com.

Leave A Reply