Discontinued Service Retirements, Early-Out, and Buy-Out Options

 

Seminar Highlights and Objectives

Congress has authorized DOD agencies, at their discretion, to offer their employees early voluntary retirement, commonly called an "early out." Non-DOD agencies may do so with OPM approval. In addition, some agencies have been authorized to make cash payments (commonly referred to as "buy outs") to employees who voluntarily leave Federal service. Employees who do not take an early out or accept the buy out could later be forced to leave Federal service under a reduction-in-force (RIF). Many of those affected by a RIF will be eligible for discontinued service (involuntary) retirement. This 1-day seminar is designed to provide employees with all of the information they need to maximize their options by showing:

• How the age and service requirements under early out and discontinued service retirement differ from the requirements for optional retirement.

• How CSRS and FERS benefits are computed and how to compare the benefits the employee would be entitled to by retiring early (including the buy out) versus waiting until he or she becomes eligible for optional retirement.

• What employees should consider in making the decision to volunteer for early retirement (and the buy out), including the advantages and disadvantages of early retirement.

• The differences between early retirement and involuntary retirement and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

• The financial implications that must be addressed in making the decision to retire now or later (e.g., Can I afford to retire?).

• How to determine if an employee is ready to retire, including the personal considerations that must be taken into account

 

Who Should Attend

This seminar is vital for anyone who:

• Is eligible to retire either optionally or under an early out or discontinued service retirement with or without a buy out.

• Employees who are not eligible to retire but are considering resigning to receive the buy out.