Can I Afford to Leave My Federal Job? Retirement, DRP, VERA, & TSP Explained

In this episode, AFGE Local 17 President Doug Massey sits down with federal retirement expert Josh Silverman of Benefit Architects to unpack the tough question many federal employees are asking right now: Can I afford to leave my job? With sweeping changes like the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority), and potential policy shifts in Congress, this conversation breaks down what federal workers need to know about their retirement options, benefits, and planning strategies. Josh dives deep into annuity calculations, insurance eligibility, TSP management, Social Security timing, and the crucial difference between early retirement programs. If you're weighing your next steps, this is a must-watch. 📌 Key Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction: Navigating today’s uncertain federal workforce climate 00:52 – VERA vs. DRP: What are your real options? 02:00 – Meet Josh Silverman: 24 years with AFGE’s retirement team 03:10 – unionretirement.org: How to book a free 1:1 consultation 06:00 – Why DRP isn’t technically retirement and the rights you might waive 10:00 – What VERA does and doesn’t change about your retirement 13:30 – Understanding FERS: Eligibility, annuity formulas, and MRA rules 16:45 – The truth about the FERS supplement and when you’ll actually get it 20:30 – VSIP (Buyouts): Who qualifies and what to expect 24:10 – Survivor benefits, FEHB rules, and the 5-year coverage window 28:00 – Disability retirement: Requirements, benefits, and legal notes 31:40 – TSP: The 3-legged stool of federal retirement explained 35:20 – G, F, C, S, I funds: Which is which and where to invest 40:00 – Age 55 rule for TSP withdrawals and how it can trip you up 44:00 – RMDs, annuities, and installment strategies for post-retirement 📎 Resources Mentioned: Book a complimentary retirement consult: unionretirement.org Contact the team: info@unionretirement.org ✅ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your questions! #FederalRetirement #AFGE #VERA #FERS #TSP #GovernmentJobs #UnionBenefits