Q. I will have 30 years of service and be 54 years old when I take early retirement in January. Since I will turn 55 in August 2014, will I be able to withdraw without penalty from my TSP even though my minimum retirement age is 56?
A. As long as you separate from covered service during or after the calendar year in which you reach age 55, you will avoid the early withdrawal penalty on withdrawals taken after you separate. Your MRA has nothing to do with it.