Q. I have a two-part question. I am a federal firefighter and, as of December, I will have 25 years and 10 months on the job and I am 50 years old. What is the salary they will be basing my retirement on: base pay or actual pay? When can I collect my Thrift Savings Plan? I would like to receive checks like a retirement.
A. Mike: You may begin withdrawing your TSP balance, or use it to buy an immediate annuity, as soon as you are separated from service.
Reg: Your annuity will be calculated using your basic pay. To see what’s included and excluded from basic pay, go to www.opm.gov/retirement-services/publications-forms/csrsfers-handbook/c030.pdf and scroll to Section 30A1.1-2.
