Comments on: The FERS Special Supplement

By: Joe Kerr

Joe Kerr — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:06:00 +0000

does military time count in computing the supplement?

By: Nik Spades

Nik Spades — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 21:20:00 +0000

who should i call regarding SSR

By: sandy

sandy — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 22:24:00 +0000

Hi guys,
How long does it take to receive my 1st supplement check after I retired?

By: Jim Cali

Jim Cali — Sat, 28 May 2016 15:30:00 +0000

How long does it take to receive your first supplemental check after turning 56? I turned 56 six and a half months ago.

By: jerry

jerry — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 03:46:00 +0000

I believe the supplement is figured just like s.s. but only uses fers income. S.S. is calculated using all s.s. income. This is at best a ballpark estimate and likely will err on the high side. Especially if you are using a s.s. estimate.

By: Andy

Andy — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:52:44 +0000

I already know how much I am getting, not much, but considering between my Navy, Postal, and what I am taking from my TSP (72t) it will be plenty. Thanks for replying.

By: David

David — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:15:05 +0000

I understand your frustration. I am not sure they will notify you at all, but I would look for the increase in your annuity starting 30 days later. If you read my article on the supplement that should help you do the math on how much your check should go up. Feel free to reply back if you have any other questions.

By: Andy

Andy — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:14:14 +0000

Every time you email OPM you get superfluous information you don’t order and they never seem answer the real question the first time around. I retired at 53 under the VERA and was told I would be eligible for the upplement at 56 which is now 2 months away. Part of the question was answered here about how it starts automatically. The other part I need, is when will OPM notify me aboutt when they will start the supplement, one month prior, two weeks prior, or will they just start it and will need to keep checking my annuity??? Thanks in advance..

By: David

David — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:46:05 +0000

Sabrina,

You can start taking the FERS Supplement at your Minimum Retirement Age and as long as you have 30 years service. At that time, you would qualify for 75% of your age 62 Social Security. By taking the FERS supplement you are not affecting your ability to draw SSI at 62 or 66. You do not have to apply to receive the supplement. If you have your MRA and 30 years you will get it automatically. The only decision you have to make is whether you will start collecting SSI at 62 or 66. Most Postal employees we counsel end up waiting until 66 to get the larger amount.

Let us know if you have additional questions -

By: Sabrina Wheeler

Sabrina Wheeler — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:28:13 +0000

Can we collect the FERS supplement S/S at age 55 along with deferring full S/S benefit until age 66? Would it be to our benefit to go ahead and collect the supplement and the rest at age 62 rather than forgo the entire thing until age 66 or even maximum age 70? Please advise best ways. I am not the breadwinner in the home but do need at least 50 – 75% of what I made while working. I would not take out TSP until after age 65.