Q. I am a federal law enforcement officer. I am aware that I can retire at age 50 if I have 20 years experience in a primary law enforcement officer position. If I have 20-plus years primary law enforcement officer experience, but separate from the government at age 47 or 48, can I still receive benefits beginning at age 50? Would I still be able to receive my pension, health benefits, etc., beginning upon my 50th birthday? Or am I required to work for the government up until my 50th birthday?
A. If you don’t wait until age 50 but instead resign, you’d be eligible for a deferred retirement at your minimum retirement age. MRAs range between 55 and 57, depending on your year of birth.
