{"id":28256,"date":"2024-03-12T14:59:53","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T14:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/federaltimes\/uncategorized\/2024\/03\/12\/is-the-secret-service-a-good-career-choice-monetarily\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T05:12:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T05:12:16","slug":"is-the-secret-service-a-good-career-choice-monetarily","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/federaltimes\/your-career\/2024\/03\/12\/is-the-secret-service-a-good-career-choice-monetarily\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask Reg: Is the Secret Service a good career choice monetarily?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Fed Times reader asks:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have begun an application process to the United States Secret Service. I am currently 23 and am an individual who aspires to be an entrepreneur in my mid to late 30\u2032s with the goal of being extremely financially well off, for lack of better words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this being the case, I\u2019d like to know what kind of timeline I\u2019m getting myself into with the Secret Service specifically based around retirement. I\u2019ve heard many claims of being able to retire by the time your 40 or late 30\u2032s after serving for the agency, however I\u2019m skeptical to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, I have a couple questions. What are the different retirement options within the Secret Service? At what point in the time line of service does the loss of lifestyle become worth it (monetarily)? Is this kind of service going to completely inhibit my long term goals listed above?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reg\u2019s Response<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you work to age 50 in either a covered or noncovered position, you will be able to retire and receive the enhanced annuity benefit for 20 years of service and the standard benefit for all remaining years of service. If you decide to leave government with 20 years of covered service and don\u2019t return, you\u2019ll be entitled to an annuity at your minimum retirement age, which will be computed using the enhanced formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you leave before having 20 years of service and later return to government service in a noncovered position, when you retire your annuity would be computed at the standard rate. If you leave with at least 5 years of service but fewer than 20 and don\u2019t ask for a refund of your retirement contributions, you could apply for a regular annuity at age 62.<\/p>\n\n\n\t