Civil Service Retirement System
CSRS
Civil Service Retirement System
The Civil Service Retirement System, or CSRS, became effective on August 1, 1920. It was the main retirement system for many federal employees before FERS replaced it for employees who first entered covered federal service on or after January 1, 1987.
CSRS is a defined benefit retirement system, which means eligible employees may receive a monthly annuity in retirement. Employees and their agencies both contribute toward this benefit.
CSRS generally includes:
Employee Contributions
CSRS-covered employees contribute a percentage of their pay toward their retirement benefit. Depending on their coverage, this may be 7%, 7.5%, or 8% of pay.
Agency Contributions
The employing agency also contributes to help fund the employee’s CSRS retirement benefit.
Medicare Tax
CSRS employees generally do not pay Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability tax. However, they do pay Medicare tax.
Voluntary Contributions
Some CSRS employees may be able to increase their retirement savings by contributing to a voluntary contribution account.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
CSRS employees may contribute to the TSP with tax-deferred contributions, but they do not receive government matching.
CSRS Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a CSRS retirement benefit, you must meet age, service, and coverage requirements. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) specifies that you must have served in a position subject to CSRS coverage for at least one of the last two years before retirement.
Optional
Employees who leave federal service before meeting full requirements may be eligible for deferred benefits starting at age 62 with at least five years of service.
Age 62 with 5 years of service
Age 60 with 20 years of service
Age 55 with 30 years of service
Special/Early Optional
Available when agencies reorganize or reduce staff. Benefits may be reduced if you are under age 55.
Special Provision Retirement
Certain roles, like air traffic controllers and federal law enforcement, have unique rules that allow earlier retirement.
Discontinued Service Retirement
For employees separated involuntarily, such as by a reduction-in-force. Immediate benefits depend on age and service.
Disability Retirement
For employees unable to perform their duties due to medical conditions. Requires at least five years of service.
Types of CSRS Retirement
CSRS offers several retirement paths based on your age, years of service, and employment circumstances. Here are the main options for federal employees.
1
Disability Retirement
For employees who are medically unable to continue working. Eligibility depends on meeting both service and disability requirements.
2
Early Retirement
Available when your agency undergoes reorganization, reduction‑in‑force, or transfer of function. Early retirement includes Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) and annuity computations, and may include discontinued service provisions.
3
Voluntary Retirement
Eligibility is based on your age and years of creditable service, including any special requirements. Provides a predictable monthly annuity for eligible employees.
4
Deferred Retirement
Former CSRS employees with at least 5 years of creditable service may receive a deferred annuity starting at age 62. Use OPM Form 1496A to apply for deferred retirement benefits under CSRS.
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