Key Takeaways:
- Federal retirement ages and eligibility requirements vary by system, service type, and individual circumstances.
- Coordinating federal retirement with Social Security and understanding special provisions is crucial for accurate planning.
What Is the Federal Retirement Age?
Understanding when you can retire as a federal employee starts with knowing the official retirement ages within each major system. The two primary federal retirement systems are the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
Defined Ages for FERS and CSRS
Under FERS, the traditional retirement age depends on both your year of birth and your length of creditable service. The Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) for FERS ranges from 55 to 57. For those in CSRS, the typical retirement age is either 55 with at least 30 years of service, or 60 with at least 20 years of service, or 62 with at least 5 years of service. These ages are set by federal law and are not subject to employer discretion.
How Eligibility Requirements Are Set
Eligibility to retire is determined by both your age and the number of years you’ve accrued in creditable service. Congress—and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—define these rules, which cannot be adjusted individually. It’s important to check both the age and service year requirements for your specific system.
How Does the Minimum Retirement Age Work?
The Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) is a foundational rule in the FERS system. It defines the earliest age at which you may begin to receive a federal retirement annuity, provided you meet certain service requirements.
Minimum Age for FERS Employees
For FERS employees, your MRA depends on your birth year. Those born before 1948 have an MRA of 55, while those born in 1970 or later have an MRA of 57. You can confirm your exact MRA using OPM’s official tables. It’s distinct from early or disability retirement, which have separate requirements.
Impact on Benefit Eligibility
Reaching MRA alone doesn’t automatically entitle you to full retirement benefits. Typically, full benefits under FERS require you to reach MRA and have at least 30 years of creditable service. Alternatively, you may retire with reduced benefits at MRA with 10 years of service. Leaving before reaching the MRA or lacking sufficient years can restrict your annuity options.
What Counts as Creditable Service?
The amount of service that counts toward your retirement eligibility (and eventual annuity calculation) is known as creditable service.
Full-Time Versus Part-Time Service
Both full-time and part-time federal employment count toward retirement, but part-time service is prorated. This means part-time hours are calculated proportionally, potentially reducing your annuity amount, though your years of service still contribute to eligibility.
How Breaks in Service Affect Retirement
If you leave federal service and later return, your breaks in service could affect the total creditable service. Some breaks are treated as non-creditable, while others may count if you’ve left contributions in the retirement system or made a required deposit. Review OPM criteria to understand how your break is treated.
When Can Employees Retire Early?
Some federal employees may retire before reaching standard ages due to specific circumstances.
Voluntary and Involuntary Early Retirement
Early retirement is possible under Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) if your agency offers it, allowing you to retire as early as age 50 with 20 years of service, or at any age with 25 years, under qualifying situations. Involuntary retirement is triggered by workforce restructuring or downsizing, following similar age and service conditions.
Penalties and Reductions for Early Retirement
If you retire early, your annuity may be reduced by 5% for each year you are under age 62 (FERS). These reductions reflect the longer period during which benefits are expected to be paid, and are set by federal statute.
Does Unused Sick Leave Affect Retirement Age?
Unused sick leave can influence your retirement calculation, but it does not affect your retirement age directly.
Sick Leave Credit Toward Retirement
For FERS and CSRS employees, unused sick leave is converted into additional service credit when computing your annuity. For instance, if you retire with 2,087 hours of unused sick leave, you receive an additional year of service credit for calculation purposes, but it cannot be used to meet minimum eligibility requirements.
Limits and Official Rules
Only unused sick leave accrued while covered by FERS or CSRS is eligible. Sick leave cannot substitute for the minimum years of service needed to qualify for retirement or to reach MRA. These provisions are outlined in OPM’s published guidance.
How Are Law Enforcement Officers Treated?
Certain federal roles—such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and air traffic controllers—have unique retirement rules reflecting the physically demanding nature of their work.
Special Retirement Age Provisions
Under both FERS and CSRS, these employees can generally retire at age 50 with at least 20 years of covered service, or at any age after 25 years. These provisions encourage retirement at earlier ages, recognizing the requirements of the roles.
Mandatory Separation Age
There are also mandatory separation ages—usually 57 for law enforcement and firefighters. Extensions may be granted for up to 3 years in specific cases, but the separation age is set by law and impacts retirement timing.
What if Disability Retirement Applies?
If you become unable to perform your federal job due to a medical condition, you might qualify for disability retirement.
Differences From Regular Retirement Age
The eligibility age for disability retirement is not tied to MRA. Instead, you must have at least 18 months (FERS) or 5 years (CSRS) of creditable civilian service and a disabling medical condition expected to last at least one year.
Eligibility and Process Basics
You must apply for disability retirement through OPM and provide comprehensive medical evidence. If granted, benefits are calculated differently than standard retirement annuities and may continue until you recover, reach regular retirement eligibility, or meet other specified criteria.
How Does Social Security Coordinate With Federal Retirement?
Federal retirement annuities often interact with Social Security, potentially affecting the timing and amount of your total retirement income.
Full Retirement Age Under Social Security
The full retirement age for Social Security benefits depends on your birth year and generally ranges from 66 to 67 for those retiring in 2026. Eligibility for Social Security benefits is separate from FERS or CSRS eligibility.
Timing and Benefit Coordination Considerations
If you are a FERS employee, you may qualify for both your federal annuity and Social Security. Decisions about when to claim each benefit can affect your combined retirement income, but there are no requirements that you retire from federal service and claim Social Security at the same time. Be aware of rules like the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) if you receive a pension from federal service not covered by Social Security.
