August 19, 2014
To: All U.S. Geological Survey Employees
From: Julie V. Wozniak //signed//, Deputy Associate Director for Human Capital
Subject: Phased Retirement Program
The purpose of this memorandum is to inform you that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has published the final regulations for Phased Retirement.
Before the program can be used by agencies, OPM needs to provide additional guidance. Also, the Department of the Interior (DOI) will need to make implementation decisions, to include identifying eligible jobs, determining mentoring activities, deciding how long an employee may remain on the program, and delegating the approval authority. The DOI strives to have the overarching guidance completed by April 10, 2015, at which time the system will be updated to begin to process applications.
There are a few known requirements to participate in Phased Retirement:
- You must have worked full-time continuously the last 3 years prior to phased retirement,
- You must be eligible for voluntary optional retirement
| Retirement Sytem |
Age |
Years of
Creditable Service |
| FERS |
55 - 57* |
30 |
| FERS |
60 |
20 |
| CSRS |
55 |
30 |
| CSRS |
60 |
20 |
| *Minimum Retirement Age depending on year of birth |
- You must work half time,
- You must devote 20 percent of time to mentoring, and
- You must have an agreement with the agency.
The OPM’s website includes Frequently Asked Questions on Phased Retirement. The final regulations may also be viewed on the Federal Register.
More information will be shared as it becomes available. If you have questions about Phased Retirement, please contact your servicing Benefits Specialist.
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