Question 1

What is the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) for FERS?

Accepted Answer

The Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) for FERS employees varies based on your birth year. If you were born before 1948, your MRA is 55. For those born in 1970 or later, the MRA is 57. For birth years between 1948 and 1969, the MRA gradually increases from 55 to 57, adding 2 months for each year. For example, someone born in 1960 has an MRA of 56 years and 2 months.

Question 2

What are the requirements for immediate FERS retirement?

Accepted Answer

FERS immediate retirement (receiving annuity immediately upon leaving federal service) requires one of these combinations: 1) Age 62 with 5 years of service, 2) Age 60 with 20 years of service, 3) Your MRA with 30 years of service (full benefits), or 4) Your MRA with 10-29 years of service (reduced by 5% per year under age 62). Each option has different benefit implications.

Question 3

Can you retire from federal service before age 62?

Accepted Answer

Yes, federal employees can retire before age 62 through several pathways: 1) Age 60 with 20 years of service (immediate unreduced annuity), 2) MRA with 30 years (immediate unreduced annuity plus supplement), 3) MRA with 10-29 years (immediate reduced annuity), 4) Early retirement at age 50 with 20 years or any age with 25 years (requires agency offer), or 5) Deferred retirement after leaving with 5+ years (annuity starts later).

Question 4

What is FERS early retirement?

Accepted Answer

FERS early retirement allows employees to retire before meeting standard age and service requirements, but only when offered by the agency during a reorganization, reduction in force, or other special circumstance. Requirements are: age 50 with 20 years of service, or any age with 25 years of service. Unlike voluntary retirement, early retirement requires an agency offer and is typically limited to specific positions or organizations.

Question 5

How does FERS deferred retirement work?

Accepted Answer

FERS deferred retirement allows you to leave federal service before retirement age but receive your annuity later. You need at least 5 years of creditable service. Your annuity begins at: age 62 (with 5+ years), age 60 (with 20+ years), or your MRA (with 30+ years). You cannot receive the Special Retirement Supplement with deferred retirement, and you won't have FEHB unless you return to work long enough to meet the 5-year immediate retirement requirement.

Question 6

What is the Special Retirement Supplement under FERS?

Accepted Answer

The Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) is a temporary benefit for FERS employees who retire before age 62 under immediate retirement with unreduced benefits. It approximates the Social Security benefit earned during federal service and is paid from retirement until age 62. To qualify, you must retire at: MRA with 30+ years, or age 60 with 20+ years. The supplement is subject to an earnings test similar to Social Security.

Question 7

What is MRA+10 retirement in FERS?

Accepted Answer

MRA+10 retirement allows FERS employees to retire at their Minimum Retirement Age with 10-29 years of service, but the annuity is permanently reduced by 5% for each year you are under age 62 at retirement. For example, retiring at MRA 56 means a 30% reduction (6 years × 5%). This option provides immediate annuity but with significant reduction. You also won't receive the Special Retirement Supplement.

Question 8

How many years of service do you need for FEHB in retirement?

Accepted Answer

To continue Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) into retirement, you need: 1) Five years of actual FERS service (or equivalent with CSRS), 2) Be enrolled in FEHB for the five years immediately before retirement (or since first eligible if less than 5 years), and 3) Retire on an immediate annuity. If you take deferred retirement or don't meet these requirements, you'll lose FEHB coverage upon separation.

Question 9

What is the best age to retire under FERS?

Accepted Answer

The 'best' retirement age depends on individual circumstances, but key milestones include: Age 60 with 20 years (earliest unreduced retirement for most), MRA with 30 years (if you want to retire earlier and qualify for supplement), and Age 62 with 5+ years (simple minimum with reduced supplement). Consider: your financial readiness, health insurance needs, Social Security timing, and whether you'll receive the Special Retirement Supplement. Many employees target age 60-62 for optimal benefits.

Question 10

Can you work after FERS retirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can work after FERS retirement, but there are considerations: 1) The Special Retirement Supplement is subject to an earnings test ($22,320 limit in 2024; $1 reduction for every $2 over), 2) Re-employment in federal service may suspend your annuity (unless it's part-time or less than 6 months), 3) Private sector work doesn't affect your annuity, 4) You'll pay into Social Security if employed, and 5) Working may affect FEHB premiums if you're eligible for employer coverage.

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