Headquarters / Headquarters-Related EAS & PCES; Motor Vehicle; Maintenance (excluding Electronic Technicians); Rural Carriers; City Carriers
The Postal Service recently received approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to offer voluntary early retirement to eligible employees nationwide.
Automation and technological advances coupled with mail volume reductions has the Postal Service continuing to look for ways to voluntarily reduce its workforce while maintaining excellent customer service.
This offer is open to employees in those positions who meet the OPM conditions, and who are at least 50 years of age with 20 years of creditable federal service or any age with 25 years of creditable federal service.
Please Note: The age and years of service criteria must be met by the effective retirement date of this VERA: February 28, 2009. If you don’t meet the criteria by February 28, 2009, you are not eligible for voluntary early retirement.
For your convenience, a timeline of activity related to this VERA can be found by clicking on VER Steps At-a-Glance. Read through this timeline carefully and consider your retirement options. It’s important to note that November 21, 2008 is the date when an employee’s voluntary choice to retire becomes irrevocable (cannot be withdrawn) under this VERA.
As a reminder, a voluntary early retirement is just that — voluntary. But if retirement is part of a near-future plan for you, make sure to navigate through all the information on this website and get all the information you need to make an informed decision.
VER Information Sessions
While Local Services won’t have any additional information regarding VER eligibility lists, HQ and HRSSC will work together to coordinate and set up information sessions to provide opportunities for Q&A dialogue. VER Information Sessions include reviews of eligibility requirements, the pre-established timeline and the Retirement Seminar DVD. Watch for local announcements within your District on times and locations.
In the meantime, don’t waste time; it’s your retirement, after all! Look through all the information provided on this website and view the retirement videos along with the workbooks to prepare prior to the VER Information Sessions.
Timeline
October 10, 2008 – Annuity Estimates are mailed out to all VER eligible employees.
October 15, 2008 -VER Offer Packet mailed out to all VER eligible employees.
October 20 – November 21, 2008 -VER eligible employees must decide whether to apply for retirement during this period.
October 20, 2008 -HRSSC begins sending out Retirement Forms to all early retirement applicants.
November 21, 2008 – 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time) -Required documents must be received at the HRSSC to take advantage of VER offer.
November 21, 2008 – 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time) -Sent in your retirement application and changed your mind? SUBMIT REQUEST TO WITHDRAW BEFORE THIS TIME.
Mid-January, 2009 -HRSSC begins notification to employees on status of VER applications.
February 28, 2009 -Effective retirement date for approved EAS and PCES in Headquarters and Headquarters-related positions (excluding bargaining unit positions and Area positions). Maintenance, Motor Vehicle, City Carrier, and Rural Carrier positions.
https://liteblue.usps.gov/news/ver2008/effective_retirement_date_022809.htm
Clerks, Mal HAndlers, Supervisors FAQs
https://liteblue.usps.gov/news/ver2008/effective_retirement_date_123108.htm
As a csrs employee if OPM would give the PO the ok to give us 5 years onto your retiremnet years or age i would go. This would only cost the PO about 70,000 more if i live 20 years past my retirement date.
I’m in maint. and in supervision and i:m out of here march 31, 2009 I was informed that i will now recieve COLA’s when i retire. I’m also not sure about the buyout but 29 years and 55 in June of 2009. I have to take my chances on leaving. It has gotton worse in the last couple of years and the way the economy is I just can’t see a buyout. I do have another job with full bennies so i”M history. I hope for all that remain that they do offer you a nice package GOD BLESS TO ALL OF YOU.
MAnagers had admitted a district plan to abuse, harass, and intimidate elderly employees into retirement. It has begun. They are refusing elderly persons their entitled sick time, demanding undertime, letters of warning for 5 licks into unapproved overtime for 30 + people at one time.
But only a few are leaving. Why? cause this is pretty the norm for these uneducated mgt. types.
Re: Longneck Goose… this information is contained in the blue booklet sent to me by the PO:
1. Question 12. Will my annuity be reduced? Answer: FERS employees without a CSRS component: NO
2. Question 18. What is the Special Retirement Supplement? Answer: It is an annuity supplement only for FERS employees which estimates the Social Security benefit earned by your FERS years of service. It is paid until you become eligible for Social Security benefits at age 62. However, under VER, this supplement is payable only if you have reached your MRA.
Then on the website it says this: If you retire voluntarily on an immediate annuity which is not reduced for age, you may be eligible for the annuity supplement, in addition to your regular monthly FERS benefit. “May” be eligible means IF or WHEN you’ve reached MRA? (I’m so confused!)
I’m so torn! I want out. I’m finding it difficult to understand just exactly what I’ll be getting if I take the VER and when I’ll be getting it. I’ve recently been IOD, manager controverted the claim and now have to appeal. Meanwhile I’m getting older and some parts are wearing out. What if I lose the appeal and then lose work days to my injury without compensation? Of course I can’t live on what they’re offering…would have to get another job… and I’m thinking about an actual career in health care. I’m 50. The past 3 years has been a non stop battle…. EEO complaints….. harassment.. intimidation… now an injury. I hate that God forsaken hell hole and the people supposedly “in charge”. I guess I’m leaning with the others above who say life’s too short to endure years more of the place. If I can’t make enough money… maybe I’ll finally be eligible for all those handouts, i.e. fuel assistance, low-cost home repairs, new windows, insulation for my old house… food stamps even? Doesn’t seem like it paid to be a productive member of society for 22 years.
Wait till after April!!!
I got my annuity estimate today, but it didn’t say anything about the supplemental annuity. When do we find out that amount? Even though I won’t get the second check for 16 months, I’d still like to know.
Apparently about 5% of those eligible took the first VER.
I’m 55/28 and so happy to go! Bad hip from years of mount/dismount has made it impossible to work a full day since March. The work.comp. money has never arrived. The doctor I am seeing,a DPM, and won’t pass me along to a surgeon. My case is to be reviewed by the Dept. of Labor..when?..who knows? If I take the VER will it interfere with my work.comp. case? I have learned so much from this site that I thought I would take a chance a see if someone had some advice. Thanks Y’all Lala
Thanks to all who have submitted comments. I found them very interesting. I myself plan to take the VER. I am 52 with 30 years. I have had it with all the crap we have to put up with in our office in the last few years. Plus I have been working on starting a new career. The 3 extra years I will have til I can officially retire on CSRS at 55 will make a big difference in my second career. I can actually work a job that I enjoy. My retirement and new job will actually bring in more money than I now earn. So make more money and do what I enjoy? For me, it’s a no brainer. My freedom from the PO…PRICELESS!
I am an ET and they said I can’t go. I was working for a facility that is managed by sheer ignorance and gestopoism —-> (cool word) , I finally did a mutual swap with another ET and now I don’t want to go. The new facility is so much better.
Retirement clock ticking… 5 y, 3 m, 10 d
I am newly retired, about two months, and I see all these statements blaming poitics. It is not politics, it’s the mismanagement of the Postal Service. They are way too top heavy. I agree that MR. Bush is a poor excuse for an idiot, but our dear Postmaster General, and his cronies are much worse. The union can’t do much about it, becaude they are too busy kissing management’s posteriors, and covering their asses. They are enjoying their authority, and telling us nothing. When Moe Biller died, the union went south. My advice is show up, do as little as possible to keep from loosing your job, and if the union officers do not work for you, SUE!!!
“see ya leter I’m gone Says:
September 5th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I have to thank George W. Bush for his MISERABLE
policies and leadership. Absent that, this oppurtunity would have never presented its’ self.
Anyone who votes for a Republican in the upcoming election is a pinhead!! A working person voting for a Republican, is like a chicken getting in a car with Colonel Sanders. Anyone with a good union paying job who votes Republican should have their ass kicked up around their neck.
Thank God for your Union who has created the middle class and who has given you cry baby assholes the opportunity for a decent standard of living and retirement.
This has been a long 8 years for the working man and woman and any of you pinheads still voting Repubclian at this point ” Shame on You”. You don’t deserve the standard of living you are receiving now and in the future. “
Typical ignorant… liberal democratic thinking!!! Don’t let the door hit you in the ass as you leave!!!
I am with LongNeckGoose. No cash incentives will be offered. Management will resort to harassment (more than usual) and accessing people to distant locations (Tennessee recently in our office). Out of here after 25 years of hell!!!
From NALC’s website:
No financial incentives or bonuses are being offered to those who choose early retirement. Young noted that some postal employees may wait to see if the Postal Service offers such incentives in the future, but quickly added, “We have received no indication whatsoever such bonuses are likely or possible.”
end quote
It’s disappointing. On the other hand, it sounds to me as if I don’t have to worry that I might retire Feb. 28th and then see the USPS offer $25,000 checks to the next bunch. By saying “no indication whatsoever…likely or possible” he’s not leaving much wiggle room, is he?
Well, with annual scheduled for Thanksgiving week, I’ve got exactly 112 working days to go until my sentence in Purgatory ends. Best of luck to you all!
I have 28yrs and am 52 yrs old. I for one would like nothing better than to kiss the old PO good-bye,but without some incentive and the 2% year penalty we will all be screwed. I hope someone comes to their sensews and realizes that we need some good incentive and no penalty to pve the way for the $12 hr replacements the good old PO wants to replace us with
no money no honey
My fellow FERS employees:
Just a few more reasons NOT to go unless, as Pres. Burris wrote, you have compelling personal reasons to leave ASAP:
1) You get your pension right away, but you supplemental annuity in lieu of Social Security doesn’t start until your Minimum Retirement Age (56 for me). If I go, I’ll only have the one check for 16 months. It will be tough! It looks like we will have to sell one of our two cars, I’ll get a bus pass, and we’ll have to use the money from the car to meet our expenses until the second check starts up.
2) No Cost of Living Adjustment until age 62! If we have 5% inflation for 6 years in a row, I’ll lose more than a quarter of the buying power of the pension. A couple years of double-digit inflation, I don’t even want to think about. If you CAN make it to 62, you should.
3) Diet COLAs after age 62! For example, if inflation is 5%, we’ll get a 4% increase. The longer you or your spouse live, the less you will have to live on.
Two ideas if you can use them:
Don’t apply for Social Security at age 62. Try to get by without it until your full retirement age. (This is a good hint if your parents lived to a ripe old age and you are in good health)
Don’t touch your Thrift Saving Plan until age 70 1/2, when they will make you start taking money out. Compound interest is the most powerful force in the universe. You’ll need it as no COLAs and diet COLAs chew away at the buying power of your pension and possibly Social Security benefit cuts occur in the future. You can leave your money in TSP or roll it into a non-Roth IRA or convert it into an annuity (but don’t forget about inflation if you choose an annuity!!!). Unless you and your spouse expect to die young, let that money compound!
Well I am 55yrs old and have over 31 yrs service as a rural carrier…the last 7 yrs. I have been on the injured roles as one of those hated lazy people we all hear about…only thing is I work harder now than I ever did on the route…but only one supervisor has ever told me that I am appreciated in my make work job…I do all the menial stuff that the clerks don’t want to do or don’t have time to do…I expect the harrasssment to start soon to make me retire…but I have a surprise for them…I am going to file so many EEO complaints they will never get all the paperwork done…and yes I have kept everything notated…copies of things..like when ever anyone does clerk work that is not a clerk …all notated in detail…then I will file retaliation EEO…I know to some this is a waste but I will go out in style……..hope it doesn’t come to all this but I am prepared….would like to be able to keep going to work and doing a good job and going home feeling like I am productive..I do have the work ethic…good luck to all….I don’t want a big retirement offer…just let me retire when I am ready not when they want me to
That is why Chevy is going out of business.
The Chicken-Littles stick their heads in the dirt and let the handful of people who will stand up for themselves do so and catch the supervisros wrath, while Chicken-Little sneaks quietly by.
Sorry, we’re getting off subject here.
The P.O. has seen that enough people will take the early-outs without cash incentives that they simply do not offer them. True, if enough people refused, the P.O. might respond with $$$.
The object is to get rid of the older carriers, but he NO-Layoff clause could messes that up.
IF the NALC would demand $$$, THEN we might get something going. Otherwise, nah.
Take Care,
Charlie
Re: #22 by Pughsly, I agree! IF we all stood together we could change things. But, in my opinion, that is an IF that will never happen. Daily carriers line up to stab each other in the back by kissing the supv’s rear to make DOIS, bad-mouthing their stewards, whining when they don’t get what they want, etc.
YES, we COULD change things, but we won’t stick together long enough to do so. Thank God our folks in the early 70’s fought to get binding arbitration or else we’d be like all the other toothless federal unions.
I’m eligible with my 26 years of service, but would take a big hit.
Due to rising fuel & ,yes, labor costs, things are going to get UGLIER at the P.O. If you think it’s bad now, just wait!
On that cozy thought, “Have a nice day!”
Charlie
I left the P.O. as a carrier last in August with 24 years. Im still on the roles, get a check every month with all zeros. I wonder if I should come back and buy back retirement and work for two full-time jobs until VER is effective. I would lose 16 percent for being under 55. I could leave my retirement money in the system and collect 42% when Im 62.
Mike,
1) It isn’t that the unions sold out their members. It is that the members sold out their unions by not supporting pro-union candidates. The contract is only good if the National Labor Relations Board upholds the contract. The guys in our parking lot with W stickers on their cars basically voted to surrender our contract. If the unions are weak, that’s why. The NLRB is like the referee, and we know that the referee can change the outcome of a game.
2) How is a VERA different from a RIF? According to the FERS booklets I have from the OPM (RI 90-1, revised April 1998, pg. 7) “The early retirement benefit is available in certain involuntary separation cases and in cases of voluntary separations during a major reorganization or reduction in force. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements: Age 50, Years of service 20 OR Any age, Years of service 25.”
It looks to me that when the USPS asked OPM for a VERA, they must have declared either a major reorganization or a reduction in force. Either way, the terms are the same. Am I wrong?
Cut a ton of do nothing positions at L”enfant Plaza!!!! Then cut all the supervisor positions by a third!! Then eliminate the $200 million a year in bonuses!!! The savings add up very quickly!!! The pay for performance has been almost criminal…… What a waste of money!!!!
I have 33 years and 56, so I could leave with a full pension $2600 a month. Does anyone really think that is a lot of money, when you are use to making $76,000 a year. I do know those days are gone, they are harrassing us daily to do the same amount of work for a lot less.I think it is time to just say no, forcing them to add an incentive to anyone leaving. They need us to leave more thanwe need to leave. Also need to stand up to their intimidations and have backbone and say enough is enough.
I’ve put in 21 years with the last 2 more like serving a sentence than working. I’ve planned financially and am excited about seeing what adventures are ahead. Waiting for MRA (18 months away) means loosing a bigger percentage of the pension. Get me outa here before I have any more injuries from the job. I don’t need the $$s when I’m going crazy trying to make sense of the mess here.
Notice how weak the NALC and APWU are on this VERA issue and the National Reassessment Program.
Both unions have sold out their members.
The Postal Service won’t need layoffs…they’ll justify the elimination of jobs by saying Reduction In Force (RIF) based on lack of work.
In the future you won’t get a VERA….you’ll get
a separation notice (RIF).
Charlie,
You must be at least 50 years old….you’re only 46. Plus, OWCP pays more than the VERA would with
your 26 years.
Call HRSSC for info.
I’ve been on OWCP disability since Jan. 15,2008 due to on-the-job-accident. I’ve heard nothing of this program and received nothing. I’m only 46yrs. old, but have 26 yrs. service.
Does anyone know if I’m eligeble or not and a contact number to find out further info. for my specific situation? Please send contact info. for this program to my email below.
Thx!
Charlie geneaxtell@sbcglobal.net
I have to thank George W. Bush for his MISERABLE
policies and leadership. Absent that, this oppurtunity would have never presented its’ self.
Anyone who votes for a Republican in the upcoming election is a pinhead!! A working person voting for a Republican, is like a chicken getting in a car with Colonel Sanders. Anyone with a good union paying job who votes Republican should have their ass kicked up around their neck.
Thank God for your Union who has created the middle class and who has given you cry baby assholes the opportunity for a decent standard of living and retirement.
This has been a long 8 years for the working man and woman and any of you pinheads still voting Repubclian at this point ” Shame on You”. You don’t deserve the standard of living you are receiving now and in the future.
Answers for the uninformed: 1) Anyone with less than six years can be laid off. 2) VER’s are not negotiated into the contract. 3) Wait for a buyout!? FSS is coming (fast), routes will be huge with latter, not earlier, start times for carriers. Delivering pizza coupons on a Saturday evening in the snow because the truck was late… nope… not me I am taking the VER!
Reality says “FAA thought there was no lay off as well. A stroke of the pen in congress and these contracts are history.”
FAA went on strike illegally. That’s why they were let go.
Postal Unions traded their strike clause for a no layoff clause!
There is a big difference in FAA and Postal.
“Reality” must be in management!
TYPICAL MANAGEMENT IDIOT!
I thought our labor contract stated we couldn’t get an early out without a severance package. What happened to that?
FAA thought there was no lay off as well. A stroke of the pen in congress and these contracts are history.
I hope all you carriers who don’t take the EO get transferred to a consolidated office. Oh the wailing and gnashing of teeth then! Eo is just that, a chance to enjoy life if you were smart with your dough! I have been out over 4 years on an EO. Life is sweet if only you prepared for it!
P. S. We will know who the next President will be before we have to send in our letters (barring another Gore v. Bush 2000).
Those covered under the first VERA have received their annuity estimates already and will soon have to make their irrevocable decision.
Will we know how many people took the VERA before we have to send in our forms in November?
If very few go, it might be a better gamble to wait. What is the purpose of this irrevocable letter? Is it to make sure that the first wave of VERA retirees can’t come back and ask for the incentive check?
And…will the NALC have a role in this? My union guys tell me they have to negotiate an early out, but it looks to me that management just bulled ahead and did what they wanted to do. Do our unions have a right to negotiate this under the contract or not? And, if so, will the National Labor Relations Board enforce it?
There will not be layoffs, there will be a RIF, look up the difference.
Get it while the getting is good.
Never in my sorry postal life have i been so happy to be an E.T.
I can go anytime i want.
But i am going to wait.
And wait.
And wait.
I see massive v-time coming !
$25,000.00 & no 2% for years under 55 & I’d go. otherwise let the GROSS MISMGRS feel the RIF, they are the only ones not covered with a no lay off clause. Trim the fat of the top heavey money suckers & the PO will not sink itself. The mail will not carry itself but can do without all the statistics & paper pushers. 50 with 31 year, no $$$ no go!!!
Truelly managment has brought it on themselves. Managers should have gotten rid of the dead weight nationwide years ago. You know who you are. You are the ones who show up for work and sit on your lazy **** and think the Post Office owes you something. This coupled with the fact that Mangements Bonuses are based on the performance of work performed by their employees. Notice I said based on performance of employees,not on what they have accomplished for the good of the Post Office. No wonder we can’t keep our heads above water financially. We have a bunch of loosers that are draging down our service to the American public. We are talking from the top of the ladder to the very bottom. What makes them think normal people would be willing to Retire early with no incentives? Do they think we are dumb or what. They aren’t even offering to waive the age requirement. I am 53 with 35 years service and i would probably go if the age requirment was waived. Why should i take a cut for them????? I have a friend that has worked for Chevy for 10 years and Management offered him a severence of $100.00.00 to go. What do ya think.
to Hop in Ohio – you sound like a postal manager to me. RIF??? Under the current contract, which won’t expire until the end of 2010, there is no lay-off protection for all employees…and lifetime no lay-off protection for 95% of the workforce since at least that many have been there for more than six years. So a RIF or lay-offs is just not really a reality. This leaves the post office with only the option of excessing employees, and let’s face it there is nowhere to send them since they are excessing everywhere. President Burrus is correct in saying don’t go and wait for them to make an offer. Only a real buy-out offer will motivate employees to go. And I tend to disagree with you on the impending election of McCain to the White House…I think the nation is ready for a change from what we’ve had to deal with for the last 8 years.
Dear Hoppy: You think USPS has a problem with
“inefficiency, poor management and worker apathy”.
The two biggest factors leading to the current
deficit are the high cost of energy(fuel costs)
and reduced volume.
Not sure if/where you “work”, but all employers are
facing serious hard times.
“Worker Apathy”? Where?
I have read with great interest the comments of those who favor waiting for a USPS buyout offer before retiring. As most of you know, the post office is losing over 2 billion per year because of inefficiency, poor management and worker apathy. As UPS and FedEX have learned, if you want to make money in the delivery business, you take the cream of the business, (packages) and leave the high cost of deliverying letters and 3rd class junk to the USPS.
With a probable Republican administration in the offing, the future of the USPS is in jeopardy. Massive cuts must be made or a readjustment of positions will take place to permit USPS to survive. I suspect that it is more likely that the USPS under McCain leadership will start laying off workers (those without much seniority) and then making the rest of us do more work for the same amount of money–transfer and consolidate post offices and routes–and then make you wish you had taken the early out, instead of waiting years for something that will not come. It is very unlikely that the post office will offer multi $$$ buyouts when they can just RIF, cutout and streamline the departments with more NDCBUs, PO Boxes and limited house deliveries. There are big changes coming for the post office and most will not favor the workers. I suggest that all who are eligible consider enjoying life and taking the early out. Life is too short to work yourself to death for an organization that is likely to leave you tired, angry and ready for a heart attack. Peace, brethren
I have never heard of any private company, corporation or government agency that did not offer a severance package ( incentive ) to employees that when trying to reduce their workforce. In not offering any such incentive ( buyout ), the USPS may find itself in the embarrassing position of making an offer that no one takes and then have to do it again the next time with an incentive. This scenario may force the Board of Governers to aask fo PMG Potter’s resignation. What kind of plan is this.
NO DOUGH; NO GO…………