If you separate from Federal service and are not eligible for an immediate annuity, you have the following options regarding the money you have contributed to CSRS:
- You can request a refund of your retirement deductions if you have been separated from Federal service for at least 31 days. If you
receive a refund of your retirement deductions, you will no longer be eligible to receive a retirement annuity when you reach retirement
age, unless you are later reemployed subject to CSRS or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
If you receive a refund of your retirement deductions, you can repay it only if you return to Federal service in a retirement covered
position. If you receive a refund for service that ended on or after March 1, 1991, you must redeposit the refund (with interest) or it
will not be credited toward computation of your retirement annuity.
- If you have completed at least 5 years of creditable civilian service and leave your money in the retirement system, you will be
eligible to apply for deferred retirement at age 62.
If you apply for deferred retirement, you are not eligible to continue the health benefits or life insurance coverage you had while
employed.
- If you have completed at least 5 years of creditable civilian service on the date of your separation and, because of injury or
illness, you were unable to perform the duties of your position, you could be eligible for disability retirement. If you want to apply for disability retirement, your application
must be received by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) within 1 year of your date of separation.
If you return to a retirement covered position within 365 days of your separation, you will continue to be covered by CSRS.
If you return to a retirement coverage position after 365 days, you will be covered by CSRS Offset. You will contribute to CSRS and
also contribute to Social Security. You will have 6 months from the date of reemployment to elect to be
covered by FERS.