Q: I worked for the Federal Government from 1975 thru 1981. When I left I drew out my retirement money to move out of state. I know that money is gone now but is there a way to get the service time of 6 years back? I now work for the State of California and want to add to my service time so I can retire.
A: I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad new but I don’t believe you’ll be able to get that federal service credited toward your state employment. With regard to the federal service alone, you are not eligible to make a redeposit payment to the federal retirement system to regain that credit. Only a current federal employee or a former employee with entitlement to an annuity can do that, and you are neither.
I suppose it’s possible that the State of California would allow you to make a payment that reflects your federal service directly to the state retirement program — but you would need to direct that inquiry to a state HR office. Good luck!
