How is my FERS annuity calculated?

Your FERS annuity is calculated using the formula: years of creditable service × high-3 average salary × multiplier. The standard multiplier is 1% for most employees. If you retire at age 62 or older with at least 20 years of service, the multiplier increases to 1.1%. Special category employees (law enforcement, firefighters, air traffic controllers) receive 1.7% for the first 20 years and 1% thereafter. Your high-3 is your highest average basic pay during any 3 consecutive years of service.

What is the FERS supplement?

The FERS supplement is a special benefit that approximates the Social Security benefit you earned while employed under FERS. It's designed to bridge the income gap from retirement until you're eligible for Social Security at age 62. You only receive the supplement if you retire at your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) with 30 years of service, or at age 60 with 20 years. The supplement ends when you turn 62, regardless of when you claim Social Security.

When can I retire under FERS?

FERS offers several retirement options depending on your age and service. Immediate retirement is available at age 62 with 5 years of service, age 60 with 20 years, or at your MRA with 30 years. You can also retire at your MRA with 10-29 years, but you'll face a 5% per year reduction for each year under age 62. Your MRA depends on your birth year — it's age 56 for those born 1953-1964, and gradually increases to age 57 for those born 1970 or later.

Should I buy back my military time?

Buying back military service credit can increase your FERS annuity by adding years to your creditable service calculation. The cost is typically 3% of your military base pay, plus interest if you make the deposit after your first three years of federal civilian service. Whether it makes financial sense depends on your specific situation — how much service time you'd add, how close you are to retirement, and your life expectancy. We can calculate the exact payback period and lifetime value for your situation.

What happens to my pension if I leave early?

If you leave federal service before meeting immediate retirement eligibility, you have options depending on your years of service. With at least 5 years of FERS coverage, you can leave your contributions in the system and receive a deferred retirement benefit starting at age 62. With 10 or more years, you can begin receiving benefits at your MRA, though with a reduction if you're under 62. Alternatively, you can request a refund of your FERS contributions, but this means forfeiting your future annuity and the government's contributions.

FERS RETIREMENT

Federal Employee Retirement Planning

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is the foundation of your federal retirement — but understanding when you can retire, how your annuity is calculated, and how to optimize your benefits requires expertise most federal employees don't have.

SCHEDULE FERS ANALYSIS →

Federal employee reviewing retirement benefits paperwork

"Your FERS annuity is the foundation. Everything else builds on top of it."

— Mike Stevens, IAR

Analysis

Full FERS pension calculation

Supplement

Included in analysis

MRA Options

Evaluated

Spousal Benefits

Survivor annuity planning

Cost

Included

THE PROBLEM

Does This Sound Familiar?

You're confused about when you can actually retire

MRA, immediate retirement, postponed retirement, FERS supplement eligibility — the rules are complex and making the wrong decision could cost you thousands.

You don't know what your FERS annuity will be

The high-3 average, creditable service, sick leave credit, part-time service adjustments — you need an accurate calculation to plan your retirement income.

You're not sure if you should buy back military time

Should you make a military service deposit? Does it make financial sense? How much will it cost and how much will it increase your annuity?

You're worried about the FERS supplement ending at 62

The FERS supplement bridges the gap to Social Security — but it stops at age 62, potentially creating an income cliff you're not prepared for.

THE SOLUTION

How We Help

Personalized FERS Retirement Planning

We analyze your specific FERS benefits to determine your optimal retirement date and model your exact annuity based on your service history, salary, and personal goals.

According to OPM guidelines, your FERS annuity is calculated using a formula based on your years of creditable service and your high-3 average salary. We ensure every factor is accounted for — including sick leave credit, part-time service adjustments, and special provisions for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and air traffic controllers.

Our FERS Planning Includes:

Eligibility analysis for immediate, early, and deferred retirement
Precise annuity calculation including all service credits
High-3 salary projection and optimization strategies
MRA determination and retirement date optimization
FERS supplement calculation and income bridge planning
Survivor benefit election analysis (full, partial, or none)
Military buyback cost-benefit analysis
Coordination with TSP, Social Security, and FEHB planning

How it Works

It's just three steps

BECOME A CLIENT

Step 1) Benefits Review ▾

We gather your SF-50s, leave balances, and service history to understand your complete FERS profile and eligibility.

Step 2) Calculate & Model ▾

Model your FERS annuity under different retirement scenarios, factor in the supplement, and identify your optimal retirement date.

Step 3) Retirement Strategy ▾

Build your complete federal retirement plan integrating FERS, TSP, Social Security, and FEHB for maximum lifetime income.

COMMON QUESTIONS

FERS Planning FAQ

Everything you need to know about FERS retirement and your federal pension.

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