“I served about 4 yrs. as a FERS employee from 1994 to 1998. I bought back 9 yrs. and 3 months of military time in 1998 for $7,300.00 which gives me approximately 13.5 years of Federal Service. I am over 62. Can I receive federal retirement even though I was a FERS employee for only 4 years? If not, can I get a refund for what I paid in?

Reg’s Response

No, you can’t. You would need to have 5 years of actual FERS service. Military service for which you made a deposit would only count after you were vested in the system. If you aren’t planning to return to government service, you should ask for a refund of your both retirement contributions and deposit.

To do that, write to:

U.S. OPMRetirement Operations CenterBoyers, PA 16017-0045On the envelope write: Attention: Military Deposit Refund

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Got a question for the Federal Times expert? Send inquiries to: fedexperts@federaltimes.com.

Reg Jones, a charter member of the senior executive service, is the resident expert on retirement and the federal government at Federal Times. From 1979 until 1995, he served as an assistant director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management handling recruiting and examining, white and blue collar pay, retirement, insurance and other issues. Opinions expressed are his own.

Reg Jones, a charter member of the senior executive service, is our resident expert on retirement and the federal government. From 1979 to '95, he served as an assistant director of the Office of Personnel Management handling recruiting and examining, white and blue collar pay, retirement, insurance and other issues. Opinions expressed are his own.

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