Advice on whether to take DRP (2) and VERA

[Anonymous]

Wise DCUM folks - curious on your advice for my situation. My agency has re-offered the DRP plus VERA - and I am very much on the fence as to whether I should opt in. Here is my situation/concerns - I would be very interested to hear what the hive mind thinks:

1. I am a GS 15-10 attorney; 57 years old and 26 years of federal service. Outstanding reviews my entire career. Like my job; love my colleagues/boss; wasn't planning on retiring until 62ish . . . but now with the hot mess of the world . . . . .
2. I don't think I will get RIF'd . . . but of course you never know!
3. If RIF'd - I should get Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR) - which I understand is essentially the same as VERA.
4. BUT: Bills in Sentate/House to curtail Fed retirement benefits (increase FERS contribution; eliminate FERS supplement (that you currently get MRA-62); high 5 instead of high 3; make FEHB benefits less appealing/cost more). If I retire now more likely to be grandfathered in to (better) old benefits system?
5. Assuming Schedule F surmounts challenges and is enacted - I will be Schedule F (no doubt in my mind). So then I will be employed "at will" - is DSR still an option if fired (just because)? Or will there be new regs that disallow DSR for schedule F?
6. Current/future state of economy/stock market - prior to this week, we (meaning husband too) had been sitting pretty on TSP/other mutual funds (3-4 million). Those have now been, ahem, reduced, in the wake of the tariff crazy.
7. Would probably want to work some other kind of job (I do have good legal skills! But I know the market is saturated, and I have no interest in going to a firm anyway - been there, done that) . . . but not sure what/how many hours/etc . . .

Not sure what to do - curious what others would do in my position.

[Anonymous]

My spouse- gs 15/10 attorney 56 9 months 31 years of service is taking the DRP- commute is horrible. The plan was to work until the end of 2028 (house would have been paid and I would be eligible to retire). He will be looking for a fun part time job and will enjoy the next few years.

[Anonymous]

I would bail given that you would be on Schedule F.

[Anonymous]

I would leave if I were you. You’re over 55 and you already get the supplement to get you to 62. Isn’t there anything else you’d rather do? You’re still young enough to travel extensively and have a wonderful retirement.

No one has any clue what schedule F will look like.

[Anonymous]

OP here -appreciating replies as they come in - a couple other points/questions: do I get FERS supplement if my husband is still working? (I know supplement is reduced/eliminated if retiree gets another job earn $$ - but I am unsure if spouse's earnings count to reduce/eliminate supplement. Anyone know the answer to this Q?). Also - my commute is a dream/no big deal - so that is not a factor for me (luckily).

[Anonymous]

Take the DRP 2.0 then be a contractor, win-win!

[Anonymous]

The earnings test on the FERS supplement is only if you yourself gets another job, your spouse's income doesn't count.
I am in the same predicament. I think you are asking whether you take the VERA and get out right now before any retirement changes go into effect or gamble on taking the DRP until September and possibly losing benefits. Good question. I don't know how long it would take to go into effect.

[Anonymous]

I would take the money and run.

[Anonymous]

At my agency I believe you can take the VERA and fork as long as you leave by 12/31. Could that be another option?

[Anonymous]

The schedule F rule is under review at OMB so no one has exact info on what will happen if you’re fired under schedule F.

[Anonymous]

Are you a lawyer? (You say you have good legal skills.). If so, you are already excepted service and unless you have a union, you are essentially already the same as Schedule F.