Q. I am nearly 48 with 23 years of service. If I were to accept a Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, if one were offered when I turned 50, other than not receiving the special retirement supplement until I reach my minimum retirement age, what benefit is there if I wait until I am 56 with 30 years of service as opposed to 50 and 25?
A. For one thing, your annuity would be a minimum of 6 percent higher, even greater if your basic pay went up during the three years before you retired. In addition, you’d immediately begin receiving the special retirement supplement.
