Federal Retirement System

The pension plan for Federal employees is a defined benefit plan which consists of two systems with sub systems. The two main systems are the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). Within these two systems are sub groups with different retirement age requirements as well as employee contribution percentages. Sub groups consist of Special Groups such as Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Air Traffic Controllers, Capitol Police, Supreme Court Police, Nuclear Materials Couriers, members of Congress or Congressional Employees.

Did You Know?

Employees in each system contribute different amounts towards retirement.

Benefits have changed over the years and are still in the discussion for more decreases in benefits and raises in costs.

Not understanding what you have and when changes might occur could cost you thousands in retirement.

Popular Questions

The simple answer for an FERS employee is 30 years of federal service.

Employees under CSRS receive a pension. FERS employees receive a modified pension in the form of FERS, Thrift Savings Plan, and Social Security.

Employees under the FERS system will receive Social Security as part of their retirement benefits. Employees under the CSRS can also receive Social Security if they work 40 quarters contributing to Social Security.

The simple answer is a combination of the “High-3” average, years of services, and age at retirement.

You Don't Know What You Don't Know

We Can Help