What happens to my retirement if I don't finish 20 years?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:10:46 -0400

Hello everyone
I've been in almost 10 years now and dealing with a MEB... I'll for sure get a med retirement.. But was curious about what happens with the years I've acquired if I were to not work another federal job.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 15 at 2020 3:19 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:19:22 -0400

Ok, so this something that your PEBLO and PEB case worker should have briefed you.
Military time does transfer. Just work with your HR when you start the new job. Make sure they know you are a medical retirement under 20. I was medically retired after 11 1/2 years and am in the same boat. You will get credit for your federal time.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Oct 15 at 2020 3:22 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:22:53 -0400

As far as I know, nothing. Unless you continue some sort of government job, you will start your new career with 0 time working for that employer.
Somebody out there may know of employers who count military time towards retirement or seniority, but I have never.
With the MEB you should be almost guaranteed a VA disability rating. Contact the DAV or other organization to assist you with applying. Use your benefits (compensation, education, vocational rehabilitation, etc.,) to set you up for your next phase in life. That is how you make those 10 years count.
Good luck.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Oct 16 at 2020 1:50 PM

SSgt Thomas L. — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 13:50:22 -0400

If you work for the government, your time can transfer, especially if it's a federal job. But there's no law requiring private companies to credit the military time in any way. I'd highly recommend looking into federal employment. Look on usajobs and start putting the feelers out to the professional contacts you must have (should have?) made over the past decade. Even with a VA rating, getting into federal service is hard unless you know the hiring authority or someone close to them. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 12:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:09:03 -0400

The short answer is that there are no years if you don't continue in a federal job. Just like any other job where you leave before hitting the time for your pension, it goes nowhere. That's why the new Blended Retirement System has matching TSP funds.

However if you are medically retired it doesn't matter about making 20 years. At 10 years you are nowhere near making it to 20 and receiving concurrent receipt, but you will still receive retirement based on your years in service. Actually you may receive that or a separation with VA disability. Whichever you receive it will be the higher of the two.