Get OPM RI 90-8 2012-2023

A FERS Postponed Retirement is when you separate from service with at least 10 years of creditable service, and you have at least reached your MRA (Minimum Retirement Age). But instead of drawing your pension when you separate from service – you postpone it until later.

In 2023 the limit is $19,560. FYI. There is an exception to the earnings limit rule.

Deferred Retirement – Former Federal employees who were covered by the FERS may be eligible for a deferred annuity at age 62 or the Minimum Retirement Age.

But just so you know upfront, one of the major differences between these types of retirement is your ability to continue your health insurance (FEHB) into retirement. For a postponed retirement you are able to turn your health insurance back on but with deferred retirement you are not.

Your Federal Employee Health Benefits. With a Deferred FERS Retirement, you can start your FERS pension back up later – but you can't start FEHB again. With a Postponed FERS Retirement – if you were eligible to keep FEHB when you separated from service – you can resume your FEHB coverage when you start your pension.

What is the amount of the cost-of-living adjustment? For the year 2023, annuitants who retired under CSRS will receive 8.7 percent increase and those who retired under FERS will receive a 7.7 percent increase.

Early Optional Retirement If your agency receives approval to permit early optional retirements, eligible employees will be notified of their option to retire early. Early optional retirement has different age and service requirements than voluntary retirement (see eligibility requirement below).

With a deferred retirement, a FERS employee leaves federal service before the minimum age they could retire, given the number of years of his or her creditable service. For example, a FERS employee with 30 or more years of service leaves federal service before his or her MRA.