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Return to Article: Mixing Civilian and Military Retirement

• 92046
  

  I just recently retired from the Army with 22 years in as a NCO. I recently started working for the VA. I plan to give VA 20 years which would put mr right at 63. How would this effect my future benefits and retirement?

  Andrew D Clark Posted November 15, 2009 1:45 PM
• 90987
  

  I served my 4 yrs in the Air Force during the VietNam war. Am I entitled to any compensation or pension having less than 20 yrs.

  Henry Posted November 2, 2009 6:52 PM
• 90143
  

  I work at the post office and I brought back 12 years of active duty time. I am currently in the Air Force Reserves. My question is can I still use my active duty time toward a retirement for the reserves or did I lose that time when I brought it back for a retirement for the Post Office. I been with the PO for the last 5 years but only have 6 years left in the reserves for a retirement.

  nathan burns Posted October 24, 2009 9:20 PM
• 86685
  

  I served 15 years AD, and will finish out in the Reserves with a total of 20 years in 2010. I am also a GS employee and bought my AD time back toward a FERS retirement. I have been with FER now for 3 years. My question is: will I still get both pensions (Reserves at age 60) and FERS at age 62? My plan is to work 2 more years w/ FERS for a total of 20 years and take a deferred retirement (since I bought back my AD time - so 15 yrs with AD and 5 yrs w/ FERS). I have heard that you can not "double dip" with both pensions, but if I bought back my military time, then that is not an issue, right? It's confusing!

  Robyn Posted September 12, 2009 2:17 PM
• 84821
  

  I retired from the Navy after 22 years of active service. I am 48 and considering taking a gov civlian job as a GS-13. How will that affect my overall retirement pay and when could I be eligible for retirement from the Civilin gov't position?

  Dennis Pendergist Posted August 14, 2009 11:12 AM
• 84241
  

  Can anyone tell me if I can combine my 18 yrs of active military service with my 4 yrs working at the Post Office. So that I can have 20 total year of active federal service. Is this possible? I am not interested in finishing 2 more years with the military.

  Mr Gee Posted August 5, 2009 1:05 PM
• 83355
  

  I served 3 yrs in army should I have any money in retirement.

  Robert Todd Posted July 23, 2009 12:29 PM
• 81161
  

  I retired from the US Army Reserves in 1993 with 22 years of service.I did buy my military time back. I can retire this year from the USPS under civil service with 37 years of service. When I go to draw my military retirement how will this effect my civil service retirement?

  Clifford Struthers Posted June 24, 2009 4:25 PM
• 78802
  

  I will earn pensions from both CSRS and Military Reserves. If I buy back my time with CSRS, will I still qualify for a pension from the Reserves?

  Terry Posted May 29, 2009 10:09 AM
• 77299
  

  I retired as a RA officer with 22 years in 1990 and entered the private sector work force. [When I retired, I could not enter Civil Service without an offset to my military retirement because of my RA status].

  Having taken a severe financial hit because of market conditions, I'm considering taking a Civil Service job again.

  Will my military retirement suffer an offset because of my RA status when I enter Civil Service, or has that double dipping issue been removed now?

  G Davis Posted May 11, 2009 3:45 PM
• 77298
  

  Basically, I have honorably served in the United States Navy for (15) fifteen years and (23) twenty-three days. I am now serving as a civil service employee 3 (three + years). What steps are available for me to mix my Military and Civil Service retirement?

  Gerald Lee Fisher Posted May 11, 2009 3:43 PM
• 74671
  

  I have approx 10 yrs active duty, 5 yrs in the army reserves. Starting a Federal job soon. Can I use those 10 yrs towards fed retirement and still have them count them for my military retirement? Please email me with any info.

  Christina Duggan Posted April 13, 2009 4:51 PM
• 71588
  

  Gary Buck: I did 23 years in the reserve and 10 years of it active. I do get credit towards my civilian retirement for the 10 years without giving up my military retirement pay. But you will have to pay the military deposit with interest. Look into it with your HRM.

  Mark Posted March 11, 2009 4:35 PM
• 68480
  

  I served 8 years active duty in the Navy and then 14 years in the Naval Reserves retiring from the reserves in 1998 in a non-pay status until age 60. I have been working for the BOP (FERS employee) since 1989. When I hired on with the BOP my HRM department asked if I wanted to make a military credit deposit for my active duty years, I told them I was a member of the naval reserves and planed on retiring from the reserves. The HRM dept said I could not add my eight years on to my BOP retirement years because that is considered double dipping. After reading these articles I get the impression I am able to add those 8 years to my BOP retirement and still be able to collect my reserve retirement at age 60.

  Gary Buck Posted February 7, 2009 6:52 PM
• 66177
  

  I retired in 1990 as an O5 with the USAF with just over 20 years active duty. I am now looking at retiring under FERS with 5 years and age 62. I spent 2 years as a ROTC cadet receiving a small monthly salary where I was actually a reserve airman. I was commissioned on college graduation and was not called into active service for 6 months. Is any of the ROTC or inactive service creditable for FERS?

  Bill Stover Posted January 9, 2009 11:32 AM
• 65968
  

  I was medically retired from the Air Force in 1995. I served a total of 14 years, 11 months. I work for the DAF as a civilian and have done so for the past 5 years. I also have 18 months of civil service with the Department of Veteran's Affairs. I recently had my service connected disability increased from 40% to 70%. I no longer receive retired pay from the AF because my VA disability is higher than my retirement amount. I have completed all the form for the Catch-62 Military Deposit and need to pay back $9,369.74. I am 46-years old and wonder if my condition progresses will I be able to apply for a disability retirement as a civilian employee if something happens prior to being eligible for retirement under FERS? What are my options? Also, will I still be able to receive social security if I receive a disability payment from the VA. I do not work near a military installation and find it difficult to contact personnel at Randolph AFB.

  Joyce Posted January 7, 2009 11:51 AM
• 61169
  

  I retired with 22 combined active and reservice years without pay RET-2 status from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in 2000 I purchased the 12 years active duty and currently have a combined 16 years of FERS civilan service and 12 years active military service for a toal of 28 years credited for my USPS career. My question pertains to receiving my 22 year reserve pension at age 60 and receiving my USPS pension at 56 (within 3 years). Will I have to waive my Reserve retirement since I purchased the 12 years of active duty and applied it to my USPS civilian service for retirement purposes? Thank you

  John Williams Posted October 18, 2008 10:11 AM
• 61119
  

  I have 20 years of Arny National Guard and U.S. Amrmy Reserves combined. From what I'm reading here all my active service time (training and active service), minus weekends drills. I have an HR person that is spilting hairs and saying only military campaigns are credible for buy back and is quoting Chapter 6 of the OPM regs. I can't see anything there that qualifies me either. Can you help with this because i have a yearly statement from the Army Human Resources Command. These points for service are shown on the form they generate, AHRC Form249-2E, Feb 04. What can I tell the HR folks here about what is credible and what is not other than weekend drills. Pleae help. Thanks

  George Posted October 17, 2008 10:50 AM
• 60157
  

  This article was helpful to an extent. My situation is a bit different, so I am not sure. I have seven years active duty military time, two years civil service time and am now starting a new civil service job. Will I be able to retire in eleven years and receive retirement, by combining my active duty time with my civil service time?

  Veda Stephens Posted October 2, 2008 5:04 PM
• 59672
  

  I retired from the Navy in 1995 with 20 years service. I currently have 11 years with the USPS and would like to retire from civilian service at age 56 (year 2013), with 16 years. I did not believe it was worthwhile to make the military deposit until I learned of the special supplement that FERS employees receive until age 62 if retiring under a full retirement. Am I correct in thinking that if I make the deposit I would then become eligible for this additional income (approx. $900.00/mo.)?

  Tona Posted September 29, 2008 8:47 AM
• 59426
  

  My situation seems to be similar to many I have read in this forum. I retired from the US Army Reserve with 25 years service (14 years active and 9 reserve). I have worked for the VA for 16 years and have paid the MSD for 14 years of Active Duty. I am considering FERS retirement next spring, at 56 years of age. Will I still be able to collect my reserve retirement at age 60?

  Kim Dary Posted September 25, 2008 2:39 PM
• 58627
  

  I'va already bought back 3 years of active duty in the Navy (1968-1971). I'm FERS having started at the USPS in 1987. With the combined active duty and USPS that puts me back to a 1984 EOD. I also have 29 years of AF Reserve time. I'll be 60 next year and should be eligible to receive my reserve retirement but have been told that I can't draw both, the reserve retirement starting at 60 then adding my FERS and social security at 62. From what I'm reading I can draw all 3 at 62?

  Daniel Slayton Posted September 16, 2008 8:16 PM
• 58097
  

  I'm pretty much in the same boat as Jill Votaw, March 18, 2008 @12:58p.m. posting. I'm 43 and have almost 22 years of active(15)/reserve(7) time in the USMC and still counting. I'm under FERS with 5 years federal civil service. I'm currently buying back my active time. Provided I pay my deposit in full can I theoretically retire from federal civil service at age 48 with 25 years of total service and then retire from the reserves(either before or after that date) and collect the full reserve retirement at age 60? Thanks for your help. Doug

  Doug Gardner Posted September 9, 2008 6:07 PM
• 58049
  

  I work for the Department Of the Army as a Management Analyst, GS-11, step 10. As of 1 July 08, I have 37-years years under the CSRS system. I had 8-years of Navy active duty prior to starting my civil service position. I have already paid the Military Deposit for the 8-years. I also have retired as an E-7 with 21-years and 4087 points, from the Navy Reserves. I intend to work until June 2013, so I will have the 41 years, six months service at retirement. Question: Should I combine my CSRS and Navy Reserve Retirement?

  David Thomas Posted September 9, 2008 9:23 AM
• 58006
  

  I started CSRS March 1982 and have 3 years 10 months of Military service.I do not have my 40 quarters of SS. I plan to retire at age 60 and will not have my quarters by age 62.Do I need buyback my Military time to avoid a reduction in you CSRS pension at age 62.

  Omar J. Garza Posted September 8, 2008 3:19 PM
• 55510
  

  I work for the USPS and was called away to active duty with the Army National Guard following 911. I returned to the USPS and two years later they changed my retirement compensation date by deducting the amount of time I was called away for. Can they do that? They also paid me 1% which I was entitled to my TSP account yet did not credit the time. Seems like a contradiction. Would love to hear facts and possible areas I can go to find more info.

  Michael Posted July 31, 2008 11:57 PM
• 55486
  

  I retired (age 60+) under Title 10 as an AF reservist in '95 and will soon retire from the FAA. I want to "buy back" my reserve time to increase the FAA retirement. OPM says I can do it but first they need a Statement of Earnings so they can compute the amount I need to pay back. However the Air Reserve Personnel Center will not give me a Statement of Earnings saying I cannot buy back reserve credit for active-duty-days once I began federal civilian employment. They had no problem giving me the Statement of Earnings for the days before I started federal employment. Seems to be a disconnect between military and OPM. Great column!

  From OPM VetGuide Not Retired from Uniformed Service

  For non-retired members, full credit for uniformed service (including active duty and active duty for training) performed under honorable conditions is given for leave accrual purposes, and for retirement purposes provided a deposit, as required by law, is made to the retirement fund.

  Ed Loomis Posted July 31, 2008 4:55 PM
• 53900
  

  I am retiring from the U.S. Army with 20 years of Active Federal Service. I have been accepted into a GS position. Is it better to combine my military and GS retirement or leave them separate? What are all of the advantages and disadvantages? I have been reading the previous postings and it seems that most did not combine the 2. Also, can you provide any guidance on whether I should go with VGLI, FEGLI or go with another company? Thanks for any advice.

  Lance Huhn Posted July 10, 2008 2:58 PM
• 51891
  

  I have 14 years active service between the USAF and USN. I have now retired from the US Navy Reserve after completing 8 years of service. I am now applying for a federal position with the US DOJ. How much of my time would count towards retirement and leave in the federal position?

  Mike Posted June 6, 2008 4:56 PM
• 51621
  

  I have read thur a lot of responses, but I stll have not gotten the answer I am looking for. Can someone that know the truth, please answer the question. I am working as a GG-11 for 11 years now, If I buy back my military time 20 year, I know that I will lose my military retirement, Do you have to give up your retired ID card also? Is there a greater payoff for doing this or not. Please email back. Thanks

  Rich Posted June 2, 2008 11:53 AM
• 51325
  

  I spent 15 years in the usaf, then i was medical retired on tdrl and 3 years lather pdrl. at 40 percent.I have worked for the navy almost 19 years. i recived about $900 from the af for my disabity, $350 is sent to va, of the $900 form the af.That means i recieve $550 only from the af. I want to retire from the civen service. they say i can buy my time from the usaf for $11,500. then i hear i loose my id card from the service. How can they take some thing that did damage to my body away from me? also i am buying back the years of service mot my disablity.

  pete nugent Posted May 27, 2008 1:39 PM
• 51270
  

  I retired from Civilian Service and from the Military. I did not combin my retirements.

  Question: What affect will Catch 62 have on my pay check?

  Thanks for your help.

  William E. Torian Posted May 26, 2008 11:45 AM
• 48637
  

  Can somebody give me some advise on how to handle my retirment. I am getting ready to retire after 20 yrs active duty and am trying to get a GS12 position soon. My question is I lost half of my retirement in a divorce. If I get this GS job, I would like to buy my active duty time, but don't know how that effects what was awarded to my ex and if I will only be able to buy back half my time. I'm sure this is a tough topic, but the advise would be great as I don't want to have to go back to court to explain my actions, but want to do what is best for my future as well and what will benefit my situation best in the long run.

  Chris L. Miller Posted April 15, 2008 9:11 PM
• 46730
  

  This leaves me confused. I am a drilling reservist with 14 years active duty time (USNA + 11 years commissioned service). When I entered civil service under FERS I was told that if I paid the 3% into the system I would be able to count those 14 years toward my retirement and that I would still recieve all my reserve retirement pay when I turn 60. Is this true? Thanks!

  Jill Votaw Posted March 18, 2008 12:58 PM
• 46103
  

  Retired as a drilling naval reservist in 2003 with total time of 32 total years (USNR-R + USN/gray area; will complete military pay-back before I retire from USDA )and will begin USNR retirement pay in Nov. 08. Will also be retiring from USDA with 36 years in Dec. 08. Question: under CSRS: Creditable Miltary Service my annual 15-day training completed each year while in the naval reserve is considered creditable sevice for CSRS retiremnent and is additional time above my 365 day job with USDA; i.e. 365 + 15 days (active duty for training). Is my understanding accurate or does the 365 day limit exclude the 15 days additional time? (36 yrs. to almost 37 yrs. of total service time)

  Michael J. Burns Posted March 11, 2008 4:16 PM
• 44361
  

  I retired from the USAF as a Senior NCO. I would like to buy my military time. Can explain what must take place and the payback benefit for me to buy a portion of my military time. What if any impact will it have on my military retirement?

  Billy Skillman Posted February 25, 2008 4:43 PM
• 43766
  

  I combined my military and civil service. I fully retired in 2000. I recieve one retirement check and SS. My wife recieves SS on her working history. If I should predecease my wife she will recieve survivors benefits. Will there be an offset in her benefits to SS or survivors benefits.

  John Parylak Posted February 18, 2008 11:26 AM
• 43614
  

  What happens to your military buyback if you change agencies? I have paid my military time back to the VA directly. I am considering a move to DHS. How does that carry over? thanks.

  sheryl Posted February 14, 2008 4:37 PM
• 43348
  

  I served from 1969-1974, and I'm not sure if I paid anything towards my military service. What is required? Also, I was employed with the USPS, and received my retirement from them. However, I'm not ready to retire and wondering how much I would it cost me to pay back my retirement I collected from the Postal Service?

  James Posted February 10, 2008 5:37 AM
• 42523
  

  I have retired from the FAA under CSRS and re-paid the 7% of base pay, thereby using my military time toward my civil service retirement. The total of my military active duty was slighly less than 7 years I was enlisted in 8/66 and commissioned in 11/67. Do I qualify for commisary and health care under the military? If so where do I solict this information??

  F. James Posted January 29, 2008 7:44 PM
• 42093
  

  I retired from the USAF after 20 years. My question is, what happens to my retirement pay and my medical benefits if I buy my military time back?

  Hernando Arboleda Posted January 23, 2008 11:50 PM
• 41829
  

  May I receive both a FERS retirement and a Military Reserve Retirement? Here is my situation: I served over 12 years on active duty and separated. After I separated from active duty, I joined the Army Reserve and retired from the Army Reserve. I started work as a FERS employee in 1993. I made a deposit to FERS for credit for my active duty time.

  BRIAN Posted January 18, 2008 10:56 AM
• 40857
  

  From 1987 thu 1991 I was employed by a county police department in NC that was under the authority of a civil service board. I have been commissioned in the army since 1994 and on active duty since 1996. Can I somehow add the time I was under the civil service as a police officer to my current military time served? Please let me know.

  Lawrence E. Hamrick Posted January 5, 2008 8:00 PM
• 40840
  

  I am a FERS employee in the middle of the GS-15 range in salary and started late in Government with only 13 years so far accumulated. My question is, I start receiving my retired military reserves pay this April at age 60. I have not been told this but saw an article back in March 1998 in the Naval Reserve Association magazine that suggested that there is a limit on federal pay including retirement pay and that that limit cannot exceed the basic pay currently paid for Level 5 of the Executive Schedule. Is this still true and if it is, is there any advice to still receive my earned naval reserve pay and my wages that I earn from my federal job. Looks like I should have keep working in the private sector if this is true, as I know of no such penalty there.

  Thanks,

  Ron Posted January 5, 2008 12:04 PM
• 40806
  

  My military service deposit has been "paid in full", according to the government. Their computation of my military service failed to include some active duty for training time. Since I have not yet made a full and complete deposit for all periods of my military service, can I get a refund of that money I did pay as a military service deposit? What is the government position on my situation?

  Tim Posted January 4, 2008 2:43 PM
• 40803
  

  According to the government, I have bought back my military time. However, their computation failed to include ROTC and Reserve periods of active duty for training, which equals some 14 weeks. Can I now ask for a refund of the money I paid to buy back my military time, or do I have to buy back the remaining time that was not included in the computation, before I retire from civilian service (FERS)?

  TJ Posted January 4, 2008 2:15 PM
• 40754
  

  I retired from the US Navy in 1991 with 21 years of service. I have been in the Civilian Service for 12 years for a total of 33 years combined military and civilian service. I did the pay computation and bought back my military time service for civilian service for credit. It cost me $11,000.00 to buy back 21 years of military service for an additional $6,000.00 per year additional retirement income. I would like to know what happens to the money I paid to buy back my military time, and can I reverse my decision and be refunded the $11,000.00 I paid to buy back my military time?

  Rickey A. Underwood Posted January 4, 2008 9:55 AM
• 40537
  

  I plan to buy back 24 1/2 years of active duty military service time to government civilian. With the military and civilian time combine I will have 29 1/2 years toward civilian retirement. I'm FERS. What happens to the money I have to pay in order to buy back the time? Also, How does the buy back affect my TSP and FERS? Thanks

  James Ferrell Posted December 30, 2007 2:21 PM
• 39768
  

  I am retired from the Army Reserve with 22 years of combined service (active & reserve). I am a FERS employee with 11 years of federal service. I requested my creditable military service be calculated and if I buy it back I will have close to 16 years. I've read the article stating that combining my military and civilian service will cause me to have to forfeit my military retirement. I'm not sure that will be such a good idea. Based upon projection, I stand to make a considerable amount (monthly) from my retire. More than from federal service. The only advantage would be that I would be able to retire earlier ... Could I get a response?

  Steve Sexton Posted December 15, 2007 1:45 AM
• 39623
  

  I am retired military with 25 years of service and have been a civilian employee under FERS for almost 14 years. If I decide to combine my military time with civilian time for retirement purposes, I know I must waive my military retirement except for my VA disability payments but I'm unsure about the effective date. Is it at the time I waive the military retirement pay or is it when I retire from civilian service? In addition, in looking at Stan's example, I don't see a benefit considering the amount of his military deposit, coupled with the time required for him to recover the deposit at a rate of $700 per year, unless I'm missing something.

  Lawrence Henderson Posted December 13, 2007 1:15 PM
• 39403
  

  Question: I retired from the usaf and then civil service. My wife passed away some five years ago. I stoped sbp at that time. I am nowplanning ongetting married again and would like to reinstate the sbp for my second wife, what will the cost be and how much would she receive upon my death.

  kenneth Justice Posted December 11, 2007 7:18 AM
• 38651
  

  I have been employed under FERS for 3 years now, and have a military retirement of approx. $15K for 22 years, 5 months of service. My question is: If I elect to combine my military and civilian time for retirement purposes do I still get my military retirement pay until I retire from civilian service, or do I stop receiving it before then?

  Ron Posted November 30, 2007 2:45 PM
• 35942
  

  I seved 4 years active military duty from 1966 to 1970 and paid my military deposit. I started civilian gov't service right away. After another 19 years, while still working for Customs, under CSRS. I joined the Army Reserve,in 1989.I served out 16 years with them and retired. I served a 1 year call up during this time and paid back that deposit too. I'm 60 and still working for Customs. Would I have to work till I'm 65 to get the full 80% CSRS and my full Military retirement also ???

  John Morley Posted October 26, 2007 5:43 AM
• 33783
  

  I am a IR-343-03 with 5 years of FERS service and 23 years of active AF time. My analysis showed that it would be of value to combine my retirements and I have started the military buy back. However; another important factor is that I will be able to retire now at 57 rather than working until I'm 62 years old.

  withheld Posted September 25, 2007 12:27 PM
• 33771
  

  Can you tell me the progress that has been made on Federal Ci vial Service that were retired on High Year tenure and are waiting on age 60 to receive the reserve retirement? Is there any bills out there that will change it to the High Year tenure (age 55) to receive the Reserve retirement?

  Gene E. Steffens Posted September 25, 2007 11:06 AM
• 33576
  

  Can someone please give clarification on what to do in reference to buying back military time. In my case, I have 14 years active, and 22 combined active/reserve. I have already bought my enlisted time, but not sure if it will be worth buying my time as an officer. I also had 4 1/2 years prior civilian service, which I need to buy back. I plan on retiring from Federal Service in about 7 years. I am under FERS.

  Jeff Kunkleman Posted September 21, 2007 2:32 PM
• 33561
  

  As a federal retirement couselor, I am still amazed as the number of federal employees covered by CSRS with 25 to 30 years of service who say they have never heard of Catch 62. I do retirement seminars and the old "Nobody told me" always comes up. The DOD gave every civil service employee back in 1985 when the law was passed heads up on cath 62. What we have found is that most didn't take the time to read the letter, or through the notice away. So here we are 1 year from retirement and I tell you that since you have 40 quarters, you must make the 3 4 0r 5 thousand dollar deposit to avoid a reduction in you CSRS pension at age 62. Of course the employee is outraged, and we hear that famous phrase again, "Nobody told me". Must be a better way....

  Bill Cayton Posted September 21, 2007 12:08 PM
• 33534
  

  I retired from the military as a CW4 in Feb 81 with 30 Years of sevice and entered Civil Services (CSRS)in Nov 81. I am now a GS13 and will complete 26 years of Civil Service this year. I am 75 years young and have been receiving SS Benefits since I was 65. I have 29 creditable years of SS. I did not combine my military and civilian service.

  Question: will there be a catch 62 waitng for me when I decide to retire.

  Henry J Slavico Posted September 21, 2007 9:28 AM
• 33528
  

  I retired from USPHS with 31.5 years of service and accepted a civil service position under FERS. I have 1.5 years of Federal service for which I do not receive a retirement benefit. May I pay into FERS and get additional retirement credit for this time?

  William Brodt Posted September 21, 2007 8:57 AM
• 29252
  

  I retired from the Navy in 2006 (enlisted) and now work for the USAF. I did not combine my military time with civil service(FERS), as most of the "dry runs" I did with my HR showed it was better for me to keep my monthly retainer.

  I am also rated 60 % by the VA, although I consider that to be icing on the cake.

  My concern doesn't really lie with this specific article, although way OT, I worry more about politicians taking away my military retirement or VA payments.

  Steve Posted July 24, 2007 9:54 PM
• 24452
  

  I retired as an 04 in 1989 with just over 20 years service. I am a 50% disabled vet just rated in April of 07. I am a GS 13 step 2 with DOL and began my federal service on 1 Feb 06. When I retire in 2011 at age 65 I'll have 5 years of Fed DOL service. I assume I'll be a GS 14 step 2 or 3 at that time. Would it benefit me to convert my military service to federal service when I would only have 5 years of fed service?

  William Beal Posted May 30, 2007 6:36 PM
• 24082
  

  I have over 20 years combined active/reserve military time and over 20 years civil service time. I originally bought back my military (active) time but and have worked longer to the 20 year mark, now I am wondering if I can't get a retirement check from both. What are the possibilities.

  John Bates Posted May 24, 2007 9:23 AM
• 23686
  

  I am retired military and have been a civilian employee under FERS for twelve years. If I decide to combine my military time with civilian time for retirement purposes I know I must waive my military retirement except for my VA disability payments. What I want to know is if I do decide to waive my military retirement pay, when does this occur. Do I still get my military retirement pay until I retire from civilian service, or do I stop receiving it before then?

  Debbie N. Posted May 20, 2007 3:23 PM
• 23588
  

  Good Morning Tammy; I retired from the USAF on February 1, 1989. I began working as a Government Employee for NASA on December 8, 1988 as a special hire. I've been drawing my military retirement for the entire time I've been retired from the military. I'm under the FERS program with NASA.

  My question is; are there any avenues for me to combine my military and FERS retirement? If so, what are benefits of doing so?

  I'm a GS-14 and working on my 19th year with NASA. I'll be 64 this year. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

  Thank you for your most informative articles.

  Bobby M. Boyd Posted May 18, 2007 9:52 AM
• 22854
  

  I combined my military and Civil Service time and now recieve the CSA plus SS. I had the SBP on my military retirement and after the combining the SBP was transferred to the CSA. In the event my wife is the survivor will this benefit fall under a phase out program such as the military SBP in regards to receiving CSA and SS.

  John Edward Posted May 7, 2007 9:13 PM
• 17647
  

  Can we see an article about employees under the CSRS who have more than 30 years service but are younger than 55 (i.e., approaching 50) and are no longer able to continue in their positions due to disability and must file for disability retirement. What guidance/advice can you give them? Unfortunately, not all agencies have the buy-out or early out authorities and times have changed in the federal government and some federal employees are facing filing for disability unexpectedly despite planning on retirement under the CSRS system. Also, would involuntary separation for inability to perform essential functions, which could meet OPM criteria for an early out, be a possible better option for those who've served for so long but are no longer able to work in their position or in a downgraded position? Thanks.

  M. Volpone Posted July 5, 2006 10:48 PM
• 17643
  

  Do employees have to waive military disability retirement pay in order to receive credit, if the 30 percent disability pay is the result of a forced retirement after only 11 years of service, but the disability was not incurred in combat, or caused by an instrumentality of war and incurred in the line of duty? Also there are no years of service not used in the computation of retired pay.

  Constance Denson-Hamilton Posted July 5, 2006 2:21 PM
• 17617
  

  I agree with Tip. Excellent topic Tammy, although it's not worth it for me to combine the two. It certainly is for some of our old-time CSRS comrades, though. Keep up the good work.

  Rick Posted June 30, 2006 2:05 PM
• 17612
  

  This really shows how much better CSRS is than FERS. You only used a high 3 for Steve of $55,000 and for the other two you used $85,000. I'm sure you had to use 30,000 less for Steve so the numbers wouldn't look so bad for us who are under FERS. Good article, but most of the people I know in CSRS are making a lot more than the $55,000 and very few I know in FERS are making $85,000.

  Denny Posted June 30, 2006 11:40 AM
• 17609
  

  Thanks for the catch on Stan's example! You are correct, and we have fixed the mistake. His retirement does increase by $700 by combining his military career with FERS, but the other factors (deposit, COLA, and Survivor's benefit) may offset the benefit of the increased income. If I were Stan, I would not recommend combining his career unless he gets another big civilian promotion before he retires under FERS!

  For Sarah, the reason that she is only receiving 7 years of service credit even though she served 20 years in the reserves is due to the fact that her career in the reserves was mainly weekend meetings and drills that are not creditable under CSRS or FERS. She is only entitled to receive credit for her active service (training and active duty).

  Tammy Flanagan Posted June 30, 2006 11:00 AM
• 17606
  

  Excellent choice of topic. I know this has been batted around the office a lot, even more so since the military to civilian conversion.

  One question: Perhaps I'm confused but the numbers in the psuedo Stan's retirement seem to indicate that he is to get $700 more by combining than by keeping separate his retirements. The larger number is in the "combined" column.

  Still, your analysis in this case seems to reflect the party line of the retirement specialist we've been talking to. I.e. if you are retired with a full 20 years and working FERS, it just doesn't pay to combine.

  Other than the seeming faux pas in the columns, this laid out the facts better than I've ever seen elsewhere. I await the feedback.

  Keep up the great work, Tammy!!

  Tip off.

  Tip Posted June 30, 2006 9:34 AM
• 17599
  

  In Stan's example, it states his combined retirement will decrease by $700 but the chart shows an increase of $700. For Sarah, it states she retired with 20 years but 30 years combined minus 20 years is 10 years of civilian time. How can she retire with 20 years and only get credit for 7 years? I'm confused!!

  GovExec.com reader Posted June 30, 2006 7:04 AM