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Retiring at the End of the Year?

Application Date

Program Analyst
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:09 AM

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My agency has just moved the Retirement Division form Chicago to Washington DC. They tell me not to present my application for retirement until 30 days prior to the date I am requesting to retire.

If everyone is using Use or Lose, where will my retirement package be on December 31, 2008, my retirement date?

Re: Application Date

Realist
IRS
Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:40 AM
A pending file, someone's inbox, no, wait, I know -- the mail room! Send it now.

Re: Application Date

ATSS
FAA
Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:20 AM
I would still attempt to file my paperwork further in advance.

good information

Receptionist
SEC-Boston
Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:15 AM

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good sound advice

NEVER COUNT ON OPM

Retired Supervisor
Department of Defense
Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:24 PM

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Here is one piece of advice you can take to the bank, "NEVER count on OPM to do anything correctly or on time". They are the most out of control of all government agencies.

Re: NEVER COUNT ON OPM

Altar Boy
Church of the Perpetual Bureaucracy
Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:07 PM
Not counting DoD, of course.

Re: NEVER COUNT ON OPM

Program Analyst
OPM
Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:18 AM
You know, there are plenty of people here at OPM who feel the same way about the DOD (at least the HR perspective of it).

Then again, it is funny because I occasionally get calls from Federal Retirees that need help...even though I do not work for that part of the agency--and the entire retirement division was moved out of headquarters to Boyers, PA years ago. You think they would give them the right phone number(s) to call. There is a real disconnect somewhere.

retirement early

revenue officer
irs
Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:42 PM

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My job is getting very stressful and I only have until 01-27-2010 to do my 30 years. I am already 55 years old. Should I wait it out or should I retire early next year?

Re: retirement early

INSPECT0R
MSHA
Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:18 AM
If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen. Go now you won't lose that much and what little you do lose, you will make up for it with piece of mind.

Re: retirement early

IT Specialist
USDA
Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:43 AM
In addition to the 30 years, what is your Minimum Retirement Age - that is important, too? I will hit 30 years and the MRA several months apart in 2010, so I am waiting so I get the full retirement. At this point 1 1/2 years will be a breeze.

Re: retirement early

Criminal Programs Specialist
United States Marshals Service
Sun Oct 5, 2008 7:36 PM
Get out while you still have your sanity. I have been going through the same thing and after 29 1/2 years, have been forced to take medical leave due to the deplorable treatment and now not sure where my retirement stands. May have to pay attorney to get out. If you can go now, I would. There's more to life....

Wait, Don't Wait

Former Retirement Counselor
DOD
Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:08 AM

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Wait a little longer for your retirement division to settle into it's routine in Wash DC. Sending in your retirement application too early will do a number of things: it's held for any possible changes to be completed first (i.e. last WIGI, 2009 pay adjustment, high-3); then HRSC will complete the estimate, make copies of the OPF, and send to payroll; it's held until you're paid last pay, held some more for your leave payout, and some more for your VSIP payout; then payroll will complete the retirement package and send to OPM (hopefully) w/in 3 weeks after they get it from HRSC; then OPM will look for your old deductions records from all the agency payroll offices (before DFAS, I had 11 payroll office changes); it's held for your answer if you want to pay for any non-deduction or post-1956 military service; OPM calculates your partial annuity; finally, OPM will send the final annuity. It's many agencies: DOD, DFAS, OPM, TSP, SSA, IRS, plus FEHB, FEGLI, etc. Wait for 30 years, then go.

Re: Retirement early

HR Specialist - former Retirement counselor
Navy
Wed Sep 24, 2008 1:45 PM

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I agree with IT specalist from USDA. Speak with a retirement counselor regarding your minimum retirement age. In addition, what is your retirement system (CSRS or FERS). You mentioned going early...is your agency authorized to allow VERA's? (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority...emphasis on Authority!). If you are CSRS system - unless your agency has requested permission for a VERA, there is no early option! FERS system has the early option (minimum retirement age + 10 years of service) However, you take a BIG (permanent) cut in your pension for age under 62 (5% per year). Like I said, speak with your retirement counselor about the details such as this, cause it'll affect your pension for your lifetime!

Re: Re: Retirement early

Contracting Officer
SMDC
Fri Sep 26, 2008 8:13 PM
What's a retirement counselor? I work for DoD and have never had the opportunity to talk to anyone about retirement. They did bring in a contractor to do a 3 day retirement seminar that was good, but there was absolutely no one who was there to answer retirement questions. I envy anyone who have access to such a person.

retirement

Project Manager
US Dept of HUD
Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:34 PM

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I am thinking about retiring in May 2009. At what time should I put in my papers to start the process?

Total Comments: 20
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