Hey all, I’ve been a federal tech for 22 years and recently started on an AGR tour. I’ll hit 20 years of total service at 56.5, so I’m wondering—am I eligible for both pensions or do I need to hit 60? Anyone here gone through something similar?
I think you should be able to get both, but there’s usually an age requirement of 60 for federal retirement. Did you already buy back any previous military time?
Devi said:
I think you should be able to get both, but there’s usually an age requirement of 60 for federal retirement. Did you already buy back any previous military time?
Yeah, bought back 8 years already! Guess I might have to stick it out until 60 then? 
Devi said:
I think you should be able to get both, but there’s usually an age requirement of 60 for federal retirement. Did you already buy back any previous military time?
With those 8 years bought back, you should be in a good spot. But yeah, typically 60 is the age for AGR folks.
You’re in FERS, right? I know someone who did the same and got both, but it was at 60. The rules can be so confusing!
Hayden said:
You’re in FERS, right? I know someone who did the same and got both, but it was at 60. The rules can be so confusing!
Yep, I was in FERS. I feel like I’m wading through rules I don’t fully get lol. Do you know if they needed to do anything extra for that?
Hayden said:
You’re in FERS, right? I know someone who did the same and got both, but it was at 60. The rules can be so confusing!
They didn’t do much extra, just had to wait it out. But good to ask since each situation can be unique. 
I think you can draw from both, but double-check if there’s a ‘dual comp’ law thing you need to know about. Maybe someone else here can explain it better?
Cameron said:
I think you can draw from both, but double-check if there’s a ‘dual comp’ law thing you need to know about. Maybe someone else here can explain it better?
Dual comp law just limits how much you can get if you’re still working. Once you fully retire, it should be fine. Here’s a helpful link if you want to read up: Dual compensation | U.S. Department of Commerce
Cameron said:
I think you can draw from both, but double-check if there’s a ‘dual comp’ law thing you need to know about. Maybe someone else here can explain it better?
Nice, thanks for the link! That should clear things up a bit.
56.5 is pretty close, but federal pensions usually kick in around 60. Might be worth holding out if you can!
Oaklan said:
56.5 is pretty close, but federal pensions usually kick in around 60. Might be worth holding out if you can!
True! Just trying to get all the info I can before making any final plans. 
My guess is you’ll qualify for both but start drawing when you hit 60. I was in a similar spot, and that’s how it worked for me.
Jess said:
My guess is you’ll qualify for both but start drawing when you hit 60. I was in a similar spot, and that’s how it worked for me.
Good to know! I’ll aim for that then. Thanks!