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Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

FERS is a retirement plan for Federal civilian employees.

1-888-767-6738

Application for Federal Employees Retirement

U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Benefit Categories >

Retirement Social Security /

Social Security and Retirement

undefined Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)?

Congress created the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 1986, and it became effective on January 1, 1987. Since that time, new Federal civilian employees who have retirement coverage are covered by FERS.

FERS is a retirement plan that provides benefits from three different sources: a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Two of the three parts of FERS (Social Security and the TSP) can go with you to your next job if you leave the Federal Government before retirement. The Basic Benefit and Social Security parts of FERS require you to pay your share each pay period. Your agency withholds your contributions for the Basic Benefit and Social Security from your pay as payroll deductions. Your agency pays its part too. Then, after you retire, you receive annuity payments each month for the rest of your life.

undefined Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)?

Eligibility is determined by your age and number of years of creditable service. If you are disabled, age requirements may be affected. In some cases, you must have reached the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) to receive retirement benefits. Use the FERS Information page to determine your Minimum Retirement Age. There are four categories of benefits in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Basic Benefit Plan: Immediate, Early, Deferred, and Disability. Refer to the FERS Information page to learn more about each category.

undefined Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)?

To apply for benefits from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) you must submit a retirement application, Standard Form 3107.

If you have been separated from federal service for more than 30 days, submit your application to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM):

U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
Post Office Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017

For more information about the application process, please visit the CSRS & FERS Information page.

Application for Federal Employees Retirement

For more information, please visit the FERS Information page.

Or you may write to:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
Post Office Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017

Or call:
1-888-767-6738

Or email:
retire@opm.gov