When can I retire? What will I receive?

While working as a federal employee, you have been paying into a retirement system. If you began your employment before the early 1980's, you are probably a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employee. If you began your federal employment after the early 1980's, you are probably a Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) employee. CSRS employees did not participate in or contribute to Social Security benefits. FERS employees participated in and contributed to the Social Security Retirement System and will receive Social Security retirement benefits at the qualifying age. The eligibility criteria and benefits for CSRS and FERS employees varies as set out below:

CSRS Retirement

As a CSRS employee, you may retire:
  • If you have five years of creditable service; and
    • Are age 55 with 30 or more years of creditable service;
    • Are age 60 with 20 or more years of creditable service; or
    • Are Age 62 with five or more years of creditable service.
Your benefits will include:
  • An annuity based on your years of creditable service and your high-3 average salary;
  • Continuation of health and life insurance benefits (if you had them); and
  • A survivor's annuity (if you elect to do so).

FERS Retirement

As a FERS employee, you may retire:
  • If you have five years of creditable service; and
    • Are age 60 with 20 or more years of creditable service;
    • Are age 62 with five or more years of creditable service; or
    • In some circumstances you may elect a reduced annuity at an earlier age.
Your benefits will include:
  • Social Security retirement benefits
  • An annuity based on years of creditable service and your high-3 average salary;
  • Continuation of health and life insurance benefits (if you had them);
  • A survivor's annuity (if you elect to do so); and
  • Access to Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Funds.

Other Annuities

There are other types of retirement annuities that may apply to your circumstances. Examples include “early outs” or “discontinued service annuities.” These are applicable in certain unique situations such as involuntary termination of one’s employment or a reduction in force. These annuities provide a monthly annuity benefit, continued health and life insurance benefits and options for a survivor’s annuity. The retirement benefits may vary for certain positions such as some law enforcement officers, firefighters, or air traffic controllers

Effects of Divorce

​A divorce may substantially impact your retirement benefits. (See Effects of Divorce)