The 8 Most Important Birthdays for Feds

Birthdays mean something different for everyone but for federal employees, these 8 birthdays really count when it comes to being prepared for life after government. Starting to think about your next milestone now could make a world of difference in how comfortable you feel as you approach your next stage of life. 

Age 50 

There’s something about turning 50 that makes retirement feel real. That’s when many people get much more serious about preparing for the future. Fortunately, the government is looking out for those that might have had a late start saving for retirement by allowing catch-up contributions. This means that instead of being limited to TSP contributions of $19,500 per year, those 50 and above can contribute extra money ($6,500 in 2020). 

Age 55 

For those feds that retire before age 55, this milestone means they can access their TSP without the 10% penalty that normally applies until age 59½. Depending on your birth year, your minimum retirement age will be between age 55 and 57. This is the age at which you could retire with an immediate pension with 30 years of service. 

Planning Tip: If you are planning to retire early (before age 59½) think twice before you roll your TSP over to an IRA. IRAs don’t have the special rules for penalty-free withdrawals at age 55 for those already separated from service.

Age 55 is also when the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance option B premiums start to double. This is a good time to rethink your insurance needs or look for better rates elsewhere. Depending on your health, FEGLI may or may not be your best option.

Age 59½  

This milestone is not unique to feds as this is the age that all retirement accounts (TSP, 401(k), IRA, 403(b)) can be accessed without the 10% penalty. 

Note: If your retirement account is tax-deferred (not Roth) you will still have to pay taxes on withdrawals but there won’t be a penalty for early withdrawal.

Age 60

Once you have reached age 60 and have at least 20 years of service, you are eligible for retirement with an immediate pension.  

Planning Tip: Just because you are eligible to retire does not mean that you should retire. Make sure you know what your retirement benefits are and what they’d be at 62 (when most FERS beneficiaries get a 10% bonus to their pension!).

Age 62

At age 62, you can retire with an immediate pension with only 5 years of service. Age 62 is also the earliest that you can turn on your Social Security benefits. But just like your FERS retirement, just because you are eligible to start your Social Security benefits does not mean that you should. The longer that you wait, the greater your benefit. And in many cases, the amount you are eligible for directly affects your spouse’s Social Security benefits as well. 

Age 65

This is when federal employees (and non-federal employees for that matter) become eligible for Medicare. Medicare part A is free for all those that have paid into the system and there would be no reason not to enroll. Medicare part B can be a harder decision because it does cost money. That said, having both parts A and B will often lower or completely eliminate your deductible and copay costs in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.  

Note: If you choose not to enroll in Medicare part B when you are first eligible around your 65th birthday, you will have to pay extra if you decide to enroll later.

Age 66 

Depending on the year you were born, your full retirement age for Social Security will be between age 66 and 67. If you start drawing Social Security benefits before your full retirement age then your benefits will be reduced. If you wait until after your full retirement age, your benefit will be increased. If you decide to take your benefits early but continue to work, your benefits will be reduced if you have W-2 income over certain limits. Once you hit your FRA, your benefits will not be reduced no matter when you start Social Security.

Age 72

At age 72, you’ll want to remember Required Minimum Distributions. RMDs require you to withdraw a portion of your TSP balance every year. The amount is determined by your age and TSP balance. This rule will apply to all tax deferred retirement accounts (IRAs, TSP, 401(k) etc.). The government takes this very seriously—there’s a 50% penalty for any portion of the RMD that isn’t withdrawn. 

Dallen Haws is a financial planner and host of the “Plan Your Federal Benefits” YouTube channel as well as a podcast at PlanYourFederalBenefits.com.