DROP for Special Risk vs Regular Class

Special Risk and DROP

Special Risk normal retirement: age 55 with 6 years (enrolled before 7/1/2011) or 8 years (on/after) of Special Risk service; 25 years of Special Risk service at any age; or age 52 with 25 years including up to 4 years of purchased wartime military service. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.6]
Regular Class: age 62/30 years (pre-2011 enrollees) or age 65/33 years (2011+ enrollees). [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.5]
Special Risk Administrative Support members without 6 (or 8) years of Special Risk service follow Regular Class rules. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.5]
From July 1, 2026, eligible Special Risk retirees get a minimum 1.5% COLA starting the first July after the fifth anniversary of retirement. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.8]
Lump-sum early-withdrawal tax age is 50 for eligible public safety officers vs 55 for others. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.11]