Pension
How your FERS basic annuity is calculated, including survivor options and the FERS Supplement.
Last updated November 12, 2026
The formula
- 1% × high-3 × years of service in most cases
- 1.1% × high-3 × years of service if you retire at 62 or older with at least 20 years
Your high-3 is your highest average basic pay over any 3 consecutive years. Example: a $90,000 high-3 with 30 years at 1% is $27,000 a year. At 1.1% (age 62 or older) it's $29,700, before any survivor reduction.
Survivor options
A married retiree's annuity is reduced 10% for a full survivor benefit (50% of the unreduced annuity) or 5% for a partial one (25%), unless the spouse consents in writing to waive it. The election also affects whether a surviving spouse can keep FEHB.
The FERS Supplement
If you retire on an immediate, unreduced annuity before 62 (not MRA+10 or deferred), you may get a supplement that approximates the Social Security you earned from federal service. It stops at 62 and is subject to an earnings test. A common estimate is your age-62 Social Security estimate × (FERS years ÷ 40).
COLAs
FERS retiree COLAs generally start at age 62 (except special provisions and disability retirees). For 2027, FERS retirees get 2.6% and CSRS retirees get 3.6%.