Q. I read your answer to the question about the FERS 1% and 1.1% computation and I understand that if I retire at age 62 with 20 or more years of service, I will be entitled to a 1.1% computation factor for my FERS annuity, rather than the normal 1%.
When I reach age 62 in two years, I will have 19 years and 7 months of creditable service and over 5 months’ worth of sick leave. Because unused sick leave is used in the computation of my annuity, will my unused sick leave allow me to receive the 1.1% computation factor if I retire when I turn 62?
A. You’re not the only person who has this question; I’ve received several questions about the use of unused sick leave to reach the 1.1% computation factor.
While unused sick leave cannot be used to become eligible for retirement, it can be used in the computation. Those retiring at age 62 need only 5 years of creditable service to become eligible for retirement, so you’ve met the eligibility criteria.
Unused sick leave will be used in your computation so, yes, in the situation you outline in your question above, you will be entitled to the 1.1% computation factor for your FERS annuity. I’ve double checked this answer with other retirement experts and contacts at OPM.
