Alternatives to a Federal Benefits Advisor for Early Retirement Planning
Six alternatives to paying a federal benefits advisor for VERA, VSIP, or early retirement planning — from free OPM resources to structured self-service guides.
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All articles about The Federal Early Retirement Guide: VERA, VSIP & Discontinued Service.
Best Early Retirement Resource for USPS Postal Workers Facing VERA
Postal workers face PSHB, Medicare Part B mandates, and facility closures on top of standard VERA rules. What resources actually cover the postal-specific traps.
Best VERA/VSIP Decision Tool for Federal Employees Under 55
Federal employees under 55 face unique early retirement traps — no Rule of 55 for TSP, deferred SRS, FEHB waiver timing. Find the right resource for your situation.
Discontinued Service Retirement: Eligibility, Annuity Rules, and What to Do After a RIF
Discontinued service retirement gives federal employees with 25+ years (or 20+ at age 50) an immediate pension after involuntary separation. Here's how DSR works under FERS and CSRS.
Federal Deferred Retirement vs Postponed: The FEHB Difference That Costs Thousands
Postponed FERS retirement suspends your FEHB but brings it back. Deferred retirement kills it permanently. Here's how to tell which path you're on.
Federal Early Retirement Eligibility: VERA, DSR, and MRA+10 Requirements
Federal employees can retire early through VERA, discontinued service retirement, or the MRA+10 path. Each has different age, service, and benefit consequences.
Federal Early Retirement Guide vs Hiring a Federal Benefits Advisor
Compare using a self-service federal early retirement guide against paying a benefits advisor. Cost, speed, and what each approach covers for VERA and VSIP decisions.
Federal RIF Retirement Options: DSR, Severance, and What to Do When You Get the Notice
A federal RIF triggers discontinued service retirement for employees with 20+ years at age 50. Here's how to evaluate DSR vs. severance vs. reassignment.
Fork in the Road for Federal Employees: What the DRP Memo Means and Your Options
The 'fork in the road' memo gives federal employees a deadline to accept a deferred resignation or face restructuring. Here's what DRP actually offers and what it costs you.
How to Evaluate a Federal Buyout Offer Without a Financial Advisor
Step-by-step process to evaluate a VERA, VSIP, or RIF separation offer on your own — annuity math, FEHB waiver, TSP access, and the filing deadline.
TSP Withdrawal After VERA: The Age 55 Rule, Penalties, and Early Access Options
Retiring under VERA doesn't guarantee penalty-free TSP access. The Rule of 55 depends on when you separate, and early retirees under 55 face limited options.
VERA Eligibility Requirements: Age, Service, and What Your Agency Must Have on File
VERA requires age 50 with 20 years of service or any age with 25 years, plus active agency VERA authority. Here's every requirement and the traps that disqualify applicants.
VERA vs VSIP: The Difference Between Early Retirement and a Federal Buyout
VERA gives you an immediate pension. VSIP gives you a one-time cash buyout up to $25,000 ($40,000 for DoD). They're often offered together but work completely differently. Here's the comparison.
VERA and VSIP in 2026: Which Agencies Are Offering Early Retirement and Buyouts
Federal agencies including DoD, IRS, and USPS are using VERA/VSIP in 2026. Here's how to find out if your agency has an active early-out offer and what to check first.
VSIP Buyout Rules: How the $25,000 Federal Separation Incentive Actually Works
VSIP pays up to $25,000 ($40,000 for DoD) to federal employees who voluntarily separate. Here's how the payment is calculated, what taxes apply, and the reemployment traps to watch for.
VSIP Repayment and Reemployment: The 5-Year Rule for Federal Buyouts
If you took a VSIP and return to federal service within 5 years, you owe back every dollar — gross, not net. Here's how the repayment rule works and who's exempt.