What is VERA?
Federal agencies that are undergoing substantial organizational changes such as reorganization, reduction in force, reshaping or downsizing are sometimes given the option to offer federal employees voluntary early retirement based on the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA). The purpose of VERA is to help agencies complete the necessary organizational change with minimal disruption to the work force and make it possible for federal employees to receive an immediate annuity payment years before they would be eligible.
The voluntary early retirement provisions are similar under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). 
Qualifications Required
In order to be eligible to retire under VERA, a federal employee must generally meet the following requirements:
- Meet the minimum age and service requirements –
At least age 50 with at least 20 years creditable Federal service, or
Any age with at least 25 years creditable Federal service - Must have served in a position covered by the OPM authorization for the minimum time specified by OPM (usually 30 days prior to the date of the agency request);
- Serve in a position covered by the agency’s VERA plan; and
- Separate by the close of the early-out period
We Can Help
It is very important for federal employees considering a VERA offer to seek the advice of an attorney regarding their retirement issues prior to initiating the VERA process. Berry & Berry, PLLC represents and advises federal employees nationwide and abroad before their individual federal agencies, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in regard to early retirement issues arising under VERA. Please contact our firm to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your individual issue.
