FERS Special Retirement Supplement · 2025 Guide

FERS Supplement (SRS)
Complete Guide

The FERS Special Retirement Supplement can add $800–$1,500/month to your income before age 62. Here's who qualifies, how it's calculated, and what can reduce it.

Who qualifiesHow it's calculatedEarnings test rulesWhen it stops
$800–$1,500
Typical Monthly Amount
Depends on years of service & SS estimate
Age 62
Stops At
Regardless of when you claim SS
$23,400/yr
2025 Earnings Limit
$1 reduction per $2 over limit
None
COLA Adjustments
Amount is fixed at retirement

Who QUALIFIES for the SRS

  • MRA (55–57) with 30+ years of service
  • Age 60 with 20+ years of service
  • Special category (LEO/FF/ATC) at their special retirement age
  • VERA/VSIP retirees — but only once they reach their MRA

Who Does NOT Qualify

  • MRA+10 retirees (MRA with only 10–29 years)
  • FERS disability retirees
  • Deferred retirees (left federal service before meeting age/service requirements)
  • Anyone who retires at age 62 or later

How to Calculate Your SRS Amount

The formula is straightforward: your years of FERS service divided by 40, times your estimated Social Security benefit at age 62.

Formula
SRS = (Years of FERS Service ÷ 40) × Est. SS Benefit at 62
30 years · $1,600/mo SS
(30 ÷ 40) × $1,600
$1,200/month
25 years · $1,400/mo SS
(25 ÷ 40) × $1,400
$875/month
35 years · $1,800/mo SS
(35 ÷ 40) × $1,800
$1,575/month
20 years · $1,200/mo SS
(20 ÷ 40) × $1,200
$600/month

Your estimated Social Security benefit at 62 can be found on your SSA statement at ssa.gov/myaccount.

The Earnings Test — What Reduces Your SRS

Many federal retirees are surprised to learn that post-retirement employment can reduce their SRS — even if it has nothing to do with their federal career.

2025 Earnings Limit: $23,400/year ($1,950/month)

If your post-retirement wages exceed this limit, your SRS is reduced by $1 for every $2 over the limit.

Example: Earn $33,400 in wages → Excess = $10,000 → SRS reduced by $5,000/year ($417/month)

COUNTS against the earnings limit:

  • Wages from a new employer
  • Self-employment income
  • Net profit from a business
  • Contract/consulting fees (if self-employed)

Does NOT count against the limit:

  • TSP withdrawals
  • Investment & dividend income
  • Rental income
  • Your FERS pension
  • Social Security benefits

FERS Supplement Income Timeline

MRA (55–57)
Earliest retirement with 30 years
✓ SRS begins immediately
60
Retirement with 20+ years
✓ SRS begins immediately
62
SRS ends — Social Security can begin
⚠ SRS stops this month
67 (FRA)
Full Social Security benefit
Claim SS here for maximum monthly payment
70
Maximum Social Security delayed credits
8% per year increase from FRA to 70

FERS Supplement — Frequently Asked Questions

Will You Qualify for the FERS Supplement?

Our licensed federal benefits specialists can confirm your SRS eligibility, estimate your amount, and build a complete retirement income plan — at no cost to current federal employees.

Call 508-770-0222Use Income Planner →
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