THE TWO FEDERAL RETIREMENT SYSTEMS:
When can I retire?
They each have different guidelines regarding retirement eligibility.
The retirement system that you are in is primarily determined by your hire date.
CSRS – Civil Service Retirement System
Applies to employees hired prior to 01/01/1984
Retirement Date: Either End of Month retirement or 1st, 2nd or 3rd day of the month
Minimum Retirement Age – 55 years of age
Years of service required for retirement
| AGE | Years of service required |
| 55 | 30 years |
| 60 | 20 years |
| 62 | 5 years |
COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) – age 55
FERS – Federal Employees Retirement System
Applies to employees hired after 01/01/1984
Retirement date: End of month
Requirements for Retirement
| Age | Years of service required |
| Must meet minimum retirement age (MRA) see chart below | 30 years |
| Must meet minimum retirement age (MRA) see chart below | 10 years (reduced benefit)* |
| 60 | 20 years |
| 62 | 5 years |
*Benefit reduced by 5% for each year of age under age 62.
COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment age 62
Employees hired after 01/01/2013 FERS-RAE (Revised Annuity Employees)
Employees hired after 01/01/2014 FERS FRAE (Further Revised Annuity Employees)
FERS minimum retirement age eligibility
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