Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
The Federal Employees Retirement System, known as FERS, was enacted on January 1, 1987. The system consists of benefits from three different sources. These are a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Saving Plan. The Merit Systems Protection Board may sometimes make administrative decisions in regard to the Federal Employees Retirement system. Below we have added general information about Federal employee retirement. In addition, we have included links for more information. Our attorneys have several years of experience in representing Federal employees from coast to coast. And we are here to consult with you about any FERS questions you may have.
Federal Employment Retirement under the Federal Employees Retirement System
Eligibility
The year you were born determines your eligibility. It is then cross-referenced with the Minimum Retirement Age, or MRA. Your MRA is determined by your birth year.
Immediate Retirement
Immediate Retirement Benefits begin 30 days after your last day of work. Hence, when you finish a predetermined combination of age and service requirements, you can receive an immediate retirement benefit.
Early Retirement
Early retirement benefits are available in certain involuntary separation cases. In addition, they are available in all voluntary separation cases. For example, this can happen when the case is precluded by a major reorganization or reduction in force.
Deferred Retirement
If you leave Federal service before meeting the age or service requirement for immediate benefits, you may still qualify for deferred retirement.
Federal Disability Retirement System
Federal employees can receive disability benefits in the event of illness or injury.
More Information on Federal Disability Retirement
Civil Service Retirement System
In addition, all Federal employees pay into this defined benefit. Hence a federal employee can contribute 7, 7 1/2, or 8% of their pay to CSRS. Also, an added benefit to this system is that a federal employee pays a reduced amount of taxes and fees when they opt in to the CSRS System.
More Information on the Civil Service Retirement System
Questions about the Federal Employees Retirement System?
Finally, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.