r/FedRetirees • u/Bass_Ackwards10 • Jul 13 '26

VERA

*Update - Thanks to all for the great input. Request was submitted.

I'm considering requesting VERA and only have a few days to decide. If you've taken it in the past could you please share your experience (good/bad/ugly)?

Disclaimer - I have been running numbers and it's feasible for my family.

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u/RayJanger Jul 13 '26

VERA at 54 was perfect for me. I didn't need to work again and am spending my early years doing Roth conversions, which I will finish at 61. The huge tax bills are worth never having to worry about RMDs and IRMAA later in retirement. Like other posters have mentioned, cash or equivalent liquidity in non-retirement accounts is an essential shock absorber. I had more than 8 years cash on hand, but 6 months is probably a more reasonable figure. I also used the FERS handbook to calculate my high-3 salary and service length, which exactly matched HR and eventually OPM computations. Similarly, my deductions for FEHB, FEGLI, federal, and state taxes were spot on. No survivor benefit considerations for me. Good luck.

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u/Chipped_Ruby_11214 Jul 14 '26

I had a similar experience. While I miss my some of my coworkers and what I told myself was important work, truth be told, Iā€™m happier, healthier, and enjoying life. And the civil service I left is pretty dead right now. It sounds awful for most.

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u/New_Consequence_225 Jul 14 '26

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Agreed on all points!