Federal Employees Retirement System
FERS
Federal Employees Retirement System
The Federal Employees Retirement System was created by Congress in 1986 and officially became effective on January 1, 1987. Since then, new federal civilian employees with retirement coverage have been enrolled in FERS.
FERS provides retirement benefits from three main sources:
Federal Pension
Also known as the FERS basic annuity, this benefit provides monthly retirement income after you retire. The amount you receive is based on your credible years of service, age, and a multiplier of 1% or 1.1%
Social Security
As a FERS employee, you pay into Social Security through payroll deductions. Once you qualify, Social Security can provide an additional source of income during retirement.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
The TSP is a retirement savings account. Your agency automatically contributes 1% of your basic pay, and you may receive matching contributions up to 5%.
FERS offers flexibility if you leave federal service before retirement. Your Social Security and TSP benefits can stay with you as you move into your next job or career.
FERS Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for FERS retirement benefits, you generally must meet both age and service requirements. These determine whether you’re eligible for an immediate or deferred retirement benefit:
Vesting Requirement
You must minimally be 62 years old, you must have at least 5 years of creditable federal service to be vested in FERS and receive retirement benefits.
Minimum Retirement Age (MRA)
Your MRA depends on your birth year (typically between ages 55–57). Hitting your MRA can make you eligible for certain retirement options.
Immediate Retirement Options
Immediate retirement benefits usually require a specific age plus years of service (e.g., age 62 with 5+ years, or age 60 with 20+ years).
Deferred Retirement
If you leave federal service before meeting the requirements for immediate retirement but have at least 5 years of service, you may qualify for a deferred annuity starting at age 62 or at your MRA.
Types of FERS Retirement
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) defines multiple retirement options under FERS, based on your age, years of service, and circumstances. Here are the main paths federal employees can take to retire.
1
Standard Retirement
Standard retirement for employees meeting age and service thresholds for an immediate annuity. It provides a predictable monthly income, allowing employees to plan their retirement with confidence.
2
Early Retirement
Available under special conditions (like agency reorganization, reduction–in–force, or transfer of function). It lets some employees retire sooner with benefits that may begin earlier than standard voluntary retirement.
3
Disability Retirement
Employees who become medically unable to work may be eligible if they meet specific disability requirements and service conditions.
4
Deferred Retirement
For former federal employees who do not immediately qualify for retirement — benefits begin later at age 62 or your MRA, depending on service time.
5
Phased Retirement
Employees can work part‑time while receiving partial retirement benefits. Service continues to accrue toward full retirement.
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