Q. I’m a 59-year-old FERS employee with 27½ years of service. If I go on optional retirement at age 60, will I suffer a penalty, and will I receive the special retirement supplement till age 62, when Social Security kicks in? A. No, you won’t suffer a penalty because you’ll be retiring at age 60 with at least 20 years of service. And, yes, you’ll receive the special retirement supplement until you reach age 62.