Q. I accepted a Voluntary Early Retirement Authority that was offered to all postmasters at 51 years old with 31 years of service from the Postal Service on July 31, 2012. I received a $20,000 retirement incentive bonus paid out half in December 2012 and half in December 2013. I am looking to work for the New Jersey Army National Guard as a federal technician. Will I have to pay back the $20,000 retirement incentive bonus? Will my pay be reduced by the amount I receive in my monthly annuity?
A. Yes, if you accepted that position, you’d have to repay the full amount of the incentive you received. And yes, your salary would be reduced by the amount of your annuity.