Q. I am 62 and have 7 years of service under FERS. My disabilities have worsened, and I must retire fairly soon. I have some other income from a state pension that will help while I apply for SSDI, but I need to know when would be the best time to retire. I do not believe my retirement will amount to more than enough to cover my life and health insurance with a little to spare according to a recent retirement estimate I received from HR. So given that, is there a particular day of the month, being paid bi-weekly, when I should set for my retirement date?
A. You can’t really set your retirement date. You can apply for disability retirement. If it is approved, your disability retirement annuity will begin on the day following your last day of pay.