Q. I was terminated in January 1997 for insubordination. I refused to transfer $90,000 I had the authority to transfer. I filed an appeal to MSPB. The agency changed its mind and allowed me to retire in March 1997. I was only 53 years old with 25 years of service. I received immediate federal annuity. Am I correct in assuming that I wasn’t eligible to receive immediate retirement benefits?
A. It would depend on the reason for your separation. To find out which reasons would allow you to receive an annuity, see Chapter 44 of the CSRS and FERS Handbook and scroll to Section 44A1.1-2 under “Involuntary Separation,” which applies to both CSRS and FERS employees.