Q. I am a FERS employee with the U.S. Postal Service. I plan on leaving this summer when I’m 58. I have read that I can be less than 59½ years old to withdraw from TSP and not be penalized for early withdrawal, as long as I am completely separated from USPS. Is this true? Also, along with my pension, I plan on with drawing about $1,200 per month from my TSP. Will I be taxed less by taking out monthly amounts than if I took out the entire amount?
Browsing: FERS
Q. I currently work for the Department of the Army. I recently interviewed for a position with the Veterans Administration and was offered the position. When I transfer, will I retain my benefits such as TSP, leave (annual and sick), and others that I believe all fall under OPM?
Q. My husband is retiring in April 2017. He is on FERS and has TSP and pension. Does he have to leave his money with the government to keep health insurance?
Q. I am in the middle of a divorce after 30 years, and my husband’s attorney has requested my TSP statement and a document verifying the benefit and a current plan summary and description of my FERS account. Is my husband entitled to both of my pension benefits and my FERS account?
Q. I’m 52 years old with 31 years of U.S. Postal Service time. I am contemplating leaving my federal job early. I know my minimum retirement age is 56. I would like to keep my health insurance and life insurance for my family. What are my options at this point? Deferred or postponed? Will I be able to still receive my Social Security supplement at 56? What about the money in my TSP and FERS accounts?
Q. I am retiring in 15 months with 34 years of service at age 56. I am downsizing my house for a lower house note. I have enough in my TSP to purchase a home. Is this a good idea? The note on the house would be equal to what I would receive from my TSP. I will still have my FERS supplement and my FERS.
Q. I will be eligible for retirement on July 7, 2017. I will be age 56 and have 30 years in. I came in under FERS. I’ve been told I would fall within the exception, meaning I would not be penalized an additional 10 percent if I take my money from my TSP before age 59½. As you know, when someone gets close to retirement, there are a lot of financial advisers showing up to guide you. The problem I have is they are telling me I can’t take my TSP until age 59½, and I know this is not true. Can…
Q. I plan on retiring next August at 57 years old. I would like to buy an immediate annuity but do not want to buy the MetLife FERS annuity. Their interest rates for the annuity are extremely low compared to other annuities. When I retire at 57 years old, can I buy another annuity and avoid paying 20 percent upfront tax when buying that annuity? Also, can I get my payments without the 10 percent penalty for not being 59½?
Q. I’m a few years out from retirement but want to plan carefully for that day. A lot is written about earning money from outside sources (e.g., non-federal employment or self-employment) and how it affects Social Security benefits. What I want to know is if I retired today under the $15,480-allowed outside-income criteria, would my FERS annuity and any TSP income (either annuity or withdrawal) be included in that $15,480-income ceiling, or are they treated separately thereby allowing me to receive my full Social Security benefit, FERS annuity, TSP income and outside income together without reductions?
Q. I’m retiring at the end of May 2017 with 25 years of civil service under FERS. I’m considering maximizing my TSP contribution (15 percent equaling $18,000) and TSP-C contribution ($6,000) in 11 pay periods before retirement. What will be the amount of government matching?