The federal pension, decoded.

What FERS is, in plain language

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is the pension framework for almost every federal civilian hired since 1987. It's a three-legged stool: a defined-benefit pension, the Thrift Savings Plan, and Social Security. Each leg matters, and most federal employees underestimate how much engineering goes into making them work together.

If you were hired before 1987 and never converted, you're on CSRS — the older, more generous system that didn't include Social Security. The drawdown math is different, the planning is different, and most of the federal retirement coverage online ignores you. We don't.

What this pillar covers

This is where FERS and CSRS strategy lives — the pension formula, the FERS Supplement, MRA versus full retirement, COLA mechanics, survivor benefit elections, the five-year FEHB carryover rule, and the math behind every "should I retire at 57 or 62?" question.

If you're inside three years of retirement, this is the pillar you need. If you're 20 years out, this is the pillar that tells you why the decisions you're making now matter.

The big numbers to know

• 1.0% — your FERS multiplier under age 62 with less than 20 years of service
• 1.1% — your multiplier at age 62+ with 20+ years (the upgrade that doubles for some retirees)
• 3 years — the high-3 period that defines your pension
• 5 years — minimum continuous FEHB enrollment to keep coverage in retirement
• 57 — the Minimum Retirement Age for anyone born 1970 or later