Can You Lose Your Federal Retirement If Fired?

Most often, federal employees who are fired from federal service do not lose the right to receive retirement benefits, but there are still some exceptions.

cently, many people are worried that they may lose their pension due to certain circumstances. Of course, this can be a big problem, especially if you don't plan to continue working after retirement. However, can you lose your pension if convicted of a felony? Can you lose your federal retirement if fired? Keep reading for more details.

Can You Lose Your Pension If Convicted Of A Felony?

First of all, you should know that according to The Public Integrity Reform Act, people who are convicted of a felony (related to their public service) may face reductions or even elimination of pension benefits. Since this law went into effect on November 13, 2011, it applies to those people who joined the Employees' Retirement System on or after that date.

It is important to note that the pension benefit forfeiture will not happen automatically, as according to the law, a special procedure will be required for this. It must be followed by both the district attorney (DA) and the State Attorney General (AG).

So, after the initial conviction, he who brought the criminal charge must commence a separate court action seeking the benefit forfeiture. This is followed by a check to see if the convicted person is a member of the Employees’ Retirement System and is even eligible for a pension. A response will be received within 20 days, and if the person is a member, an estimate of the available benefits (if any) will be provided. It is important to note that if a person is eligible, then only the district attorney or state attorney general can proceed to trial. Further, everything will depend on the verdict of the court, which can either issue an order to revoke or reduce the member’s benefits. After that, the order must be served to the Retirement System (by the AG or DA).

Can You Lose Your Federal Retirement If Fired?

Many people on federal retirement also often wonder if they would lose it if they were laid off. In fact, federal employees who are fired from federal service most often do not lose their right to receive retirement benefits (with a few exceptions). It is important to note that the type of retirement in this case is often mistaken for a Discontinued Service Retirement, which covers the forced dismissal of federal employees.

Moreover, federal employees who have been fired from their positions are still eligible) to apply for federal jobs (for which they are eligible). However, of course, prospective federal agencies will still pay attention to the fact of dismissal when making a decision.

Can You Lose Your Pension If You Go To Jail?

If you are wondering what will happen to your pension if you go to jail, then you should know that it will be suspended. Thus, you will not actually receive any pension benefits while you are there. Also, if you are convicted, you lose your right to a pension until you are released.

However, you should also be aware that retirees released from prison are also entitled to an advanced payment of social security pension in case of severe financial hardship (just like anyone else).

Do Convicted Felons Lose Military Retirement?

Another frequently asked question on the Internet is do you lose military retirement if convicted of a felony. You'll be glad to know that being convicted of a crime almost never jeopardizes your federal pensions. Of course, this rule has its exceptions, for example, if a person has been convicted of crimes such as treason, sabotage, espionage, and so on.