Free Resource · OPM, USPS, VA, DOD, DoD Employees · Updated 2025
Federal Employee
Benefits Center
The most complete free resource for federal employees — FERS pension, TSP, FEHB, FEGLI, FERS Supplement, CSRS, and agency-specific guidance. From your first year of service to your last day on the job.
Trusted by employees across OPM, USPS, VA, DOD, DHS, IRS, and dozens of other federal agencies.
FERS Pension
1%–1.1%
per year of service × High-3
TSP Agency Match
Up to 5%
free money from your agency
FERS Supplement (SRS)
$800–$2,000+
monthly bridge to age 62
FEHB Premium Share
~72%
paid by government in retirement
Free Federal Benefits Tools
Calculators and guides covering every aspect of your federal retirement — pension, TSP, FEGLI, Social Security, and more.
FERS Retirement Date Calculator
Find your earliest retirement date and optimize it for maximum pension income.
Open toolFederal Pension Calculator
Estimate your FERS or CSRS monthly annuity based on your high-3 salary and years of service.
Open toolFederal Income Planner
Combine FERS pension + TSP + Social Security into a complete retirement income projection.
Open toolFEGLI Life Insurance Calculator
Calculate your current FEGLI premiums and compare coverage options in retirement.
Open toolMilitary Buyback Calculator
See how buying back your military service time increases your federal pension.
Open toolSocial Security Calculator
Estimate your Social Security benefit and find the optimal claiming age.
Open toolTSP Retirement Guide
Learn TSP withdrawal strategies, contribution limits, and how to maximize your savings.
Open toolFERS Supplement Guide
Understand the Special Retirement Supplement (SRS): who qualifies and how much you get.
Open toolIn-Depth Federal Benefits Q&A
Expert answers to the most important questions federal employees ask about FERS, TSP, FEHB, FEGLI, the FERS Supplement, and CSRS.
FERS Retirement Basics
TSP (Thrift Savings Plan)
FEHB Health Insurance
FEGLI Life Insurance
FERS Supplement (SRS)
CSRS Retirement
Annuities for FERS Retirees
FERS Retirement Eligibility Quick Reference
When you can retire under FERS — age, service, and benefit type at a glance.
| Retirement Age | Years of Service | SRS Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRA (55–57) | 30+ | ✓ Yes | Immediate, unreduced — most common full career path |
| 60 | 20+ | ✓ Yes | Immediate, unreduced |
| 62 | 5+ | ✗ No | 1.1% multiplier if 20+ years — 10% pension bonus |
| MRA | 10–29 | ✗ No | MRA+10 — 5% reduction per year under 62 |
| 50 | 20+ (RIF/VERA) | ✗ No | Early-out only — no SRS |
| Any age | 25+ (RIF/VERA) | ✗ No | Early-out only — no SRS |
| 50 / 20+ | LEO/FF/ATC | ✓ Yes | Special category — higher multiplier first 20 years |
MRA = Minimum Retirement Age. Varies by birth year: 55 if born before 1948, 56 if born 1953–1964, 57 if born 1970+. SRS = Special Retirement Supplement (bridge to age 62).
FERS Pension Estimates by Salary & Years of Service
Monthly annuity estimates using the standard 1% FERS formula. Retire at 62+ with 20 years? Add 10% to all figures below.
| High-3 Salary | 20 Yrs | 25 Yrs | 30 Yrs | 33 Yrs | 35 Yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60k | $1,000/mo | $1,250/mo | $1,500/mo | $1,650/mo | $1,750/mo |
| $80k | $1,333/mo | $1,667/mo | $2,000/mo | $2,200/mo | $2,333/mo |
| $100k | $1,667/mo | $2,083/mo | $2,500/mo | $2,750/mo | $2,917/mo |
| $120k | $2,000/mo | $2,500/mo | $3,000/mo | $3,300/mo | $3,500/mo |
| $150k | $2,500/mo | $3,125/mo | $3,750/mo | $4,125/mo | $4,375/mo |
Estimates only. Does not include COLA, survivor annuity reduction, or FEHB deductions. Use our pension calculator for a personalized estimate.
Federal Employee Retirement Checklist
A phase-by-phase retirement checklist for FERS and CSRS federal employees — from 10 years out to your last day on the job.
5–10 Years Before
- Request a Personal Benefits Statement from OPM/your agency HR
- Maximize TSP contributions — hit at least 5% for full match
- Consider converting TSP contributions to Roth if still in lower bracket
- Calculate your High-3 projection and protect it (avoid downgrades)
- Verify your service computation date (SCD) with your HR office
- Buy back eligible military service if you haven't already
1–2 Years Before
- Request your Official Personnel Folder (OPF) review
- Complete SF 3107 (FERS application) or SF 2801 (CSRS application)
- Decide on survivor annuity election — affects both pension and FEHB
- Review FEHB plan options and Medicare timing
- Model your optimal retirement date using our calculator
- Decide on FEGLI coverage level for retirement
The Final Year
- Submit OPM retirement application 60–90 days before your target date
- Contact SSA to verify your Social Security earnings record
- Set up TSP withdrawal strategy — monthly, life annuity, or lump sum
- Confirm your last day — aim for end of month or December 31
- Roll over any outside retirement accounts and consolidate
- Plan for OPM processing delay (6–12 months for full pension, interim ~60–80% paid)
Agency-Specific Retirement Tips
Key considerations that vary by agency or employment type.
USPS employees are covered by FERS and have access to the TSP. Postal workers also have the NALC or APWU union supplement in some cases. Sick leave conversions and annual leave payouts follow standard FERS rules.
Defense civilians can combine active duty military buyback with civilian FERS service for a powerful combined pension. Many DOD employees also receive locality pay boosts that increase their High-3 significantly.
VA employees earn title-38 hybrid pay in some roles, which can affect High-3 calculations. VA law enforcement officers qualify for enhanced retirement provisions. Many VA employees also have military service to buy back.
LEO, FF, and ATC employees under FERS have mandatory retirement at 57 (LEO/ATC) or 60 (FF) with 20 years, can retire at 50 with 20 years, and receive a 1.7% multiplier for the first 20 years. Their FERS Supplement can be significantly higher.
Annuity Strategies for Federal Retirees
How fixed annuities fit alongside your FERS pension, TSP, and Social Security — and why more federal retirees are adding guaranteed income to their plan.
Best Annuity for FERS Retirees
A MYGA locks in a guaranteed rate (up to ~5.5% APY) for 3–10 years with zero market risk — the ideal complement to a FERS pension that replaces only ~30–40% of your pay.
Compare MYGA RatesWhat to Do With Your TSP at Retirement
Keep the TSP for the G Fund, roll to an IRA for flexibility, or roll part into a fixed annuity for a guaranteed income floor — most retirees combine all three. Direct transfers are tax- and penalty-free.
Read the TSP GuideFERS Supplement Bridge Strategy
Your SRS stops at 62. Use a fixed annuity to bridge the gap until you claim Social Security at 70 — locking in up to 32% more lifetime SS income while your savings stay protected.
Bridge CalculatorAnnuities are issued by licensed insurance companies and are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing carrier. Not FDIC insured. Not a deposit. Early withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges. Annuital is a licensed insurance agency — not affiliated with OPM, TSP, or any federal agency.
More Federal Retirement Guides
How to Pick Your FERS Retirement Date
Optimize your date for maximum pension, leave payout, and SRS timing.
Complete TSP Guide for Federal Employees
Funds, contribution limits, withdrawal strategies, Roth vs. Traditional.
FERS Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) Explained
Who qualifies, how it's calculated, and how the earnings test works.
Federal Retirement Income Planner
Combine FERS + TSP + Social Security into a complete income projection.
FEGLI Life Insurance Calculator
Model your coverage and premiums in retirement — compare vs. private term.
Military Service Buyback Calculator
Calculate the cost and pension boost from buying back your military time.
Get a Free Federal Retirement Income Plan
Our licensed federal benefits specialists have helped employees at OPM, USPS, VA, DOD, IRS, and DHS navigate retirement paperwork, maximize their pension, and choose the right date. No cost, no pressure.
- Pension maximization strategy
- TSP withdrawal planning
- FEHB & Medicare coordination
- Survivor annuity analysis