Q. I worked as a civilian employee for Alameda Naval Air Base, Calif., under CSRS for 20 years, eight months and four days. At the time the base was closed in 1995, I was not eligible for retirement due to my age. I will be 60 in a couple of weeks. Will I be eligible for my retirement from the federal government? How is that amount calculated and what do I need to do to start the process?
A. As long as you didn’t get a refund of your retirement contributions, you’d be eligible for a deferred annuity at age 62. A few months before your birthday, download a copy of OPM Form 1496A, complete it, and send it to the Office of Personnel Management. The form is available at www.opm.gov, click on Forms.
