Can You Add Postal Service Time to Military Service Retirement?
When it comes to military service retirement, many veterans wonder if they can combine their military service time with their civilian work experience, such as time served with the United States Postal Service (USPS). The answer is yes, but there are specific requirements and procedures to follow. In this article, we will explore the details of adding postal service time to military service retirement.
Understanding Military Service Retirement
Before we dive into the specifics of combining military service with postal service time, let’s briefly review the military service retirement system. Military service retirement is based on a points system, where service members earn points for every day of active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty. The points are used to calculate the service member’s retirement pay, also known as basic pay.
Adding Civilian Service Time to Military Service Retirement
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) allows veterans to add civilian service time to their military service retirement. This is known as crediting civilian service. The VA has specific rules and regulations regarding which civilian service time can be credited and how it is calculated.
Postal Service Time and Military Service Retirement
The USPS is considered a civilian agency, and veterans who have served with the USPS can add their time to their military service retirement. However, there are some specific requirements and limitations to consider:
- Eligibility: To be eligible to add USPS time to your military service retirement, you must have served in the military and have a minimum of 20 years of active duty or 30 years of combined active and inactive duty.
- Service Requirements: The USPS time must be substantially equivalent to military service. This means that the USPS time must be considered equivalent in length, duty, and responsibilities to military service.
- Documentation: You must provide documentation to support your claim, including:
- A copy of your military DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- A copy of your USPS personnel file or equivalent documentation
- A statement from the USPS or your supervisor explaining your duties and responsibilities
Calculating Credit
The VA uses a complex formula to calculate the credit for civilian service time, including USPS time. The formula takes into account the length of service, rank, and pay grade to determine the equivalent military points. Here is a rough estimate of how the VA calculates credit:
| USPS Rank | Equivalent Military Rank | Points |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Supervisor | O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) | 20-25 points |
| USPS Mail Carrier | E-5 (Sergeant) | 10-15 points |
| USPS Postal Clerk | E-3 (Private First Class) | 5-10 points |
Table 1: USPS Rank Equivalencies
Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and the actual calculation may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Additional Considerations
There are a few additional things to consider when adding USPS time to your military service retirement:
- Date of Entry: The USPS time must be added to your military service retirement using the date of entry into the USPS. This means that if you served in the military for 20 years and then worked for the USPS for 5 years, you would add the USPS time to your military service retirement using the date of entry into the USPS, not the date of separation from the military.
- Dual Benefits: If you are eligible for both military service retirement and USPS pension, you may be eligible for dual benefits. This means that you can receive both benefits simultaneously, but you must meet specific requirements and regulations.
Conclusion
Adding postal service time to military service retirement is possible, but it requires careful documentation and calculation. By understanding the eligibility requirements, service requirements, and calculation methods, veterans can maximize their benefits and ensure a smooth transition into retirement. Remember to keep accurate records and documentation, and consult with a veterans’ service organization or the VA for guidance throughout the process.
References
- Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Crediting Military Service. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/services/military-service-records/crediting-military-service/
- United States Postal Service. (n.d.). Military Service Credits. Retrieved from https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/military-service-credits.htm
- Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. (2016). Final Report. Retrieved from https://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/sites/default/files/2016-09/Military-Compensation-and-Retirement-Modernization-Commission-Final-Report.pdf
