Q: I am 55 yrs old and work for the VA with a service comp date of 11/3/1982, but have only had FEHB since 1/1/11. So the last “piece” of my requirement for retirement (and still have FEHB) is to complete my 5 yrs of FEHB coverage which I will have as on 1/1/2016. If the FED are offered “early outs” or “buy outs,” do they ever also “waive” the 5 yr of FEHB coverage requirement?
A: Waivers are usually granted if agencies are offering “buy-outs”, or as we feds call them, “VSIPs.” The following language is from the OPM website and indicates that you would not have to contact OPM for the waiver, but contact you agency instead.
If your agency has buyout authority, you may not need to write to the OPM. If you think you might qualify for a waiver of the 5-year coverage requirement, contact your Human Resources Office for information. If you meet the requirements, your agency will attach a memorandum to your retirement application stating that you meet the requirements for waiver by the OPM.
