Blog
Guides for federal employees planning retirement.
Practical explanations of FERS rules, strategies, and the decisions that shape retirement income.
FERS Survivor Benefit Election: What a Spouse Pension Really Costs
The FERS survivor benefit election can protect a spouse after your death, but it reduces your own annuity while you are alive. Here is how to think through the tradeoff.
Unused Sick Leave Under FERS: Why It Helps Your Pension but Not Your Retirement Date
Unused sick leave can increase a FERS pension calculation, but it generally cannot make you eligible to retire sooner. Here is the planning distinction.
Can You Keep FEHB in Retirement? The 5-Year Rule Explained
A plain-language guide to the FEHB 5-year rule, who qualifies to carry coverage into retirement, and what to verify before separating from service.
FERS Supplement Earnings Test: How Post-Retirement Work Can Change Your Income
If you plan to work after retiring, the FERS Special Retirement Supplement can be reduced. Here is how the earnings test works and how to plan around it.
The OPM Retirement Backlog: What It Means for New FERS Retirees
OPM still has tens of thousands of federal retirement claims waiting for final processing. Here is what that means in plain English if you are planning to retire soon.
Understanding FERS Retirement Eligibility: MRA, MRA+10, and 60/20
A plain-language guide to FERS retirement eligibility rules, including minimum retirement age, MRA+10, and the 60/20 option.
Ready to run your own numbers?
Open FERSCalc to compare retirement dates and projected income.