USPS VERA – Information On Incentive & Eligibility
If you’ve been thinking about early retirement, now might be the perfect time to act. The USPS Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) is now available, offering eligible employees a financial incentive to accept an early out. But this opportunity won’t last long — participation is capped, and deadlines are fast approaching.
Whether you’ve been planning your retirement for years or are just beginning to explore your options, here’s a clear breakdown of what the VERA incentive offers and how to make the most of it.
What’s the Incentive?
Who’s Eligible?
This offer is available to USPS career employees covered under both:
To qualify, employees must meet these criteria:
Exclusions:
Crafts Included and Caps
Clerk Craft
- All career clerk craft employees in the APWU bargaining unit are eligible.
- No cap specified for the clerk craft in general.
IT/ASC Employees
- Included under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
- No specific cap mentioned for IT/ASC employees.
National Postal Professional Nurses (NPPN)
- Capped at 10% of eligible Optional or VER employees nationally.
Maintenance and Motor Vehicle Crafts
- Capped at 12% of eligible Optional or VER employees nationally.
Facility Caps
The following facilities have a cap of 10% of eligible Optional or VER employees:
- Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC) in Greensboro.
- HQ Facility Services in Washington.
- Administration and Building Support in Merrifield.
- National Material Customer Service Center in Topeka.
How the Caps Work
- If the cap is exceeded in a specific facility or craft, the incentive is granted based on seniority (total postal service).
- Employees exceeding the cap may still retire early under the VERA program, but they will not receive the incentive payment.
Key Deadlines
- March 7, 2025: Deadline to indicate your intent to participate.
- April 30, 2025: Retirement must be effective by this date to qualify for the incentive.
If your previously scheduled retirement date is later than April 30, you’ll need to adjust it to remain eligible.
Need Help?
Navigating the VERA process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Federal Benefits Specialist can help guide you through the process, ensuring you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Request assistance today: https://myfedbenefitshelp.com/benefits/early-retirement/
Know Your Options!
Claim Your Free Federal Benefits Workbook Today
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