Washington, D.C. 20530

March 14, 2006

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN JUSTICE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

The Office of Personnel Management has approved the Department's request for a voluntary early retirement authority (VERA) for the Justice Management Division (JMD).

To be eligible for a VERA, you must have at least 25 years of creditable service (without regard to age); or be at least age 50 and have at least 20 years of creditable service. Additionally, you must have been continuously on the Department's rolls since December 7, 2005.

For JMD, the early retirement window period has been established as March 15, 2006, through March 31, 2006. Employees must declare their intention during this time period and separate no later than April 28, 2006. VERAs will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis; however, management retains the right to limit the number of voluntary early retirements. All requests for retirement estimates and all retirement applications should be forwarded to Mary Lou Soffer in the Offices, Boards, and Divisions Section of the Personnel Staff.

Management has the right to establish new opening/closing dates if circumstances warrant. In addition, subject to changes in the staffing or budgeting situation, JMD may need to further limit offers after this opportunity is announced.

For this particular early retirement window period, VERA covers all JMD employees with the following exceptions:

1. Employees in the Operations Services Staff (OSS); however an opportunity to utilize VERA at a later date is planned;
2. Employees serving under time-limited appointments;
3. Employees who have not been continuously on the Department's rolls since December 7, 2005; and
4. Employees in receipt of a decision of involuntary separation for misconduct or unsatisfactory performance.

If you meet these criteria and are interested in exploring further the possibility of voluntary early retirement, please contact Mary Lou Soffer, your servicing retirement counselor, at (202) 514-6791.

Please be assured that this important decision is yours alone.

Attachment

Return to the TOP