Csrs

[cooter]

I'm on the old retirement system CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) and was courious if anyone else is. I understand the FERS (newer system) retiree's that are recieving both SSDI and FERS have to take an offset from OPM. Since my retirement system didn't include paying Social Security, but, I did earn enough SS credits prior to Federal employment. Does anyone know, or is in the same situation, tell me if I have to abide to the same rules as FERS if I'm granted SSDI. I was reading the SSA Forem here but couldn't find anything about this, and SSA is closed for the weekend.

[Chuck75]

You are going to visit the local SSA office. They may or may not be correct in what they tell you. But, I'd check with more than one "official" source before you are comfortable with the answers.

Logically, you are correct, since your SSA credits have nothing to do with the CSRS or federal employment. On a practical basis, there may be a "quirk" in the system that jumps out and gets you.

[cooter]

Chuck75

Thank's for the reply! I am hoping I won't have to but you never know. My last SSA statement said I qualify for about 600 bucks at age 65. Not a whole lot but it'll help alot. I'm 57 years now, if that will even make a differance on the amount. I might be able to get half of what my wife is getting for her SSDI. Guess I'll have to wait till monday when they open. Thank's again Chuck!

[john999]

Your SSA will be reduced if you retired under CSRS. I don't know by how much but lets hope it pays for your medicare.

When you hit 65 you get medicare regardless of SSA. I retired under FERS so I got my OPM offset by 60% of SSD until age 62. It is really chickenfeed. Changing civil service to FERS really destroyed the system. What FERS employees get in pension is just a joke. My FERS pension barely pays for my medical insurance. I could not live on what I get from FERS and SSD.

[cooter]

John999

Well I'm not surprised! Oh well, your right, hope it is enough to pay Medicare. Did you have a choice on your retirement system? I know when I was working, there were alot of people changing over to FERS because they already had earned SS credits prior to working for the feds. I already had to many years with CSRS and to close to retirement to change over. LOL, I had no idea how close it was when they retired me on disibility. Thank's John

[john999]

No, I hired on in 1985 just after the switch to FERS. I made it 20 years before I had to retire on disability. If not for the VA I would be much more concerned about my finances. I would be OK, but not due to my OPM and SSD.

[cooter]

CSRS isn't all that great either. 31 years including military I bring home after deductions about 1900. Not much for all that time. Thank's for the PM John!