What is VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority)?

VERA is a special early retirement option that allows eligible federal employees to retire before reaching their Minimum Retirement Age (MRA). Agencies must request VERA authority from OPM during workforce restructuring events, RIFs, or reorganizations.

What are the VERA eligibility requirements?

You are eligible for VERA if you meet EITHER: (1) Age 50 or older with at least 20 years of creditable service, OR (2) Any age with at least 25 years of creditable service.

Is VERA the same as VSIP?

No. VERA allows early retirement eligibility; VSIP (Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment) is a cash buyout of up to $25,000. They are often offered together but are separate authorities. You can receive VSIP only if you actually separate.

Do I get a penalty with VERA retirement?

No. Unlike MRA+10 retirement which has a 5% per year penalty, VERA retirement has no penalty. However, your pension will be lower than standard retirement because you have fewer years of service.

Do I get the FERS Supplement with VERA?

Usually, but the timing depends on your age. The FERS Annuity Supplement bridges the gap to Social Security at age 62 for federal employees who retire with an immediate, unreduced annuity. If you retire under VERA before your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA, between 55 and 57 depending on your birth year), the supplement does not start until you actually reach your MRA, then continues until age 62. It is also reduced or suspended by an earnings test if your post-retirement wages exceed the annual limit.

Can I keep FEHB health insurance if I retire under VERA?

Yes. VERA retirees who have been enrolled in FEHB for at least 5 years immediately before retirement can continue their health insurance into retirement with the same government contribution.

How long do I have to accept a VERA offer?

The acceptance window is set by your agency, typically 30-90 days from the announcement. VERA authority is temporary and expires when the agency's restructuring need ends.

What if my agency offers VERA but I am not eligible?

If you don't meet the VERA requirements (50/20 or any age/25), you cannot retire under VERA. You may still be eligible for VSIP if you separate, or you could face RIF if you don't accept available options.

Calculator

VERA / VSIP Eligibility

Check whether you qualify for VERA early retirement and a VSIP buyout. Enter your age and years of service to see eligibility and your best path.

Reviewed by Jonathan D., 20-year federal employee · Formulas verified against OPM.gov · Updated June 2026

Your current age

Years of federal service

Enter your age and service to check VERA eligibility

VERA requires age 50 + 20 years, or any age + 25 years.

VERA vs. regular FERS retirement

VERA advantages

Retire earlier than standard MRA requirements

Keep FEHB health insurance into retirement

Often paired with VSIP (up to a $25,000 buyout)

May receive the FERS Supplement until age 62

VERA considerations

Lower pension — fewer years of service in the formula

Must be offered by your agency

Limited acceptance window

No penalty, but a smaller annuity base

What is VERA?

VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) is a special provision that lets federal agencies offer early retirement to employees during workforce restructuring, downsizing, or reorganization. Unlike a regular early retirement (MRA+10), VERA carries no age-reduction penalty — your annuity is computed on your actual service, not reduced for retiring early.

VERA eligibility requirements

50 + 20

Age 50 or older with at least 20 years of creditable federal service.

Any age + 25

Any age with at least 25 years of creditable federal service.

VERA vs. VSIP: the difference

VERA — early retirement

Allows early retirement eligibility

No cash payment

Starts your pension immediately

Keep FEHB and life insurance

May receive the FERS Supplement

VSIP — cash buyout

Up to $25,000 lump sum (up to $40,000 at the Department of Defense)

A separate authority from VERA

Can combine with VERA if eligible

Taxed as regular income

Repay it if you return to federal service within 5 years

Best scenario: if you're VERA-eligible and your agency offers both, you can retire early (VERA) and receive the $25,000 buyout (VSIP) — the maximum benefit.

2026 VERA / VSIP outlook

With the RIF moratorium expired and federal workforce restructuring underway, many agencies are offering VERA and VSIP as alternatives to involuntary separations. If your agency announces these options, you typically have 30–90 days to decide.

Key dates: VERA authority expires when an agency's restructuring need ends. If you're considering early retirement, review offers carefully and consult the guides below.

VERA in 2026

VERA offerings have increased significantly in 2026 as agencies restructure their workforces. If your agency has announced VERA, review the eligibility requirements above and act within the window your agency provides — most 2026 VERA offers carry a 30-to-90-day acceptance period. Once the window closes, the opportunity is gone.

Federal employees approaching the 50+20 or any-age+25 thresholds should monitor agency announcements closely. Even if your agency has not yet announced VERA, understanding your eligibility now gives you a head start on retirement planning.

VERA + VSIP packaged together

Many agencies in 2026 are offering VERA and VSIP together to reduce workforce size without resorting to RIFs. If your agency offers both, you may be able to retire early under VERA and receive up to $25,000 through VSIP. The two are separate authorities, but combined they represent the best possible separation package. Before accepting, calculate your pension with the FERS Retirement Calculator to understand the financial impact of retiring early versus staying.

DoD and VERA in 2026

The Department of Defense is one of the largest users of VERA authority, given its civilian workforce of over 750,000 employees. DoD components — including the Army, Navy, and Air Force — have historically used VERA during force-shaping and base-realignment efforts. DoD civilian employees should check with their servicing HR office for announcements specific to their command or installation.

Related tools & guides

VERA/VSIP Eligibility Guide 2026

Complete guide to VERA and VSIP eligibility, decision factors, and what to expect.

Read

FERS Retirement Calculator

Calculate your actual pension under VERA or standard retirement.

Open

FERS Supplement Calculator

Estimate the SRS bridge payment you may receive until age 62.

Open