Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) Overview

Eligibility:

• Hired before 1984 without switching to FERS.
• Rehired after 12-31-1983.
• At least five years of CSRS-eligible service.

If returning after a year’s break, you’ll join CSRS-Offset (Retire5) and contribute to Social Security. Upon retirement, benefits mirror CSRS. At Social Security age, CSRS isn’t reduced, but Social Security may drop up to 40%, decreasing 5% yearly after 20 years to a 10% minimum.

Retirement Ages:

• 55 with 30 years.
• 60 with 20 years.
• 62 with 5 years.

Annuity Calculation:

Based on your highest average salary (“HIGH 3”) over any consecutive three years.

Survivor Benefits:

Default provides a 55% monthly income annuity to a spouse upon your death, unless both opt-out. To maintain Federal Employee Health Plan (FEHP) for your spouse, both must be covered by FEHP for five years pre-retirement. A $3,600 annual survivor benefit costs $90/year, optimizing health coverage and pension.

CSRS & Social Security:

CSRS participants don’t contribute to Social Security. Those with 40 Social Security quarters before federal service might receive a Social Security check atop their pension, but it’s reduced due to the Wind-Fall Elimination Provision. Without full quarters, post-retirement credits yield a max 50% Social Security benefit.

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