Firefighters
Special Role Within Federal Service
Firefighters serve a special role within federal service and therefore are categorized as special provision employees.
These are generally considered jobs with everyday high risk/stress situations. Because of the demands on them, they are eligible for earlier retirement. In order to compensate for less time in the system, they pay more into their pensions and receive more matching from the federal government.
Other professions that are eligible for early retirement without penalty: Law Enforcement Officer, Nuclear Materials Courier, Customs & Border Protection Officer, Supreme Court police Officer, Capitol Police Officer & Air Traffic Controller
Eligibility Requirements For Early Retirement
- Retirement at or after age 50 with at least 20 years of creditable federal service.
- Retirement at any age with 25 years of creditable federal special service.
- 20 years of service MUST be service under special provision – i.e. Law Enforcement, ATC, or Firefighter years. The other five can be general service or even military time that has been “bought back”.