“I am a 50--year-old current employee covered by FERS with 17 years of civilian service, along with 13 years of active duty military service for which I paid a deposit. Does my military service count for purposes of creditable service under either the “MRA+30″ or “60+20″ provisions for deferred retirement?”

Reg’s Response

Yes, your active duty service for which you made a deposit counts as actual service for retirement. And yes, with 30 years of creditable service you could leave government and apply for a deferred retirement when you reach your MRA. However, you need to be aware of two negative factors. First, when you do retire, your annuity will be calculated using your high-3 on the day you left; it won’t be increased by any intervening pay increases or cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). Second, any unused sick leave you had when you left won’t be included when your annuity is computed.

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Got a question for the Federal Times expert? Send inquiries to: fedexperts@federaltimes.com.

Reg Jones, a charter member of the senior executive service, is the resident expert on retirement and the federal government at Federal Times. From 1979 until 1995, he served as an assistant director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management handling recruiting and examining, white and blue collar pay, retirement, insurance and other issues. Opinions expressed are his own.

Reg Jones, a charter member of the senior executive service, is our resident expert on retirement and the federal government. From 1979 to '95, he served as an assistant director of the Office of Personnel Management handling recruiting and examining, white and blue collar pay, retirement, insurance and other issues. Opinions expressed are his own.

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