Should I retire at MRA + 10 or wait?

MRA + 10 retirements have a permanent annuity reduction of 5% per year you're under 62 (with carve-outs). Postponing your annuity to 60 or 62 can avoid the reduction.

Is the FERS Supplement worth waiting for?

The FERS Supplement bridges from your retirement age to 62 (when Social Security starts). It's earnings-tested — substantial part-time income reduces or eliminates it.

Should I keep money in the TSP after I retire?

The TSP's low fees and stability are hard to beat. Many retirees keep their balance there indefinitely. Roll out only if you need flexibility the TSP doesn't offer.

By profession · Federal employee

Retirement planning for federal civilian employees (FERS)

A profession-specific look at the retirement levers a federal employee actually has — pension rules, tax-advantaged accounts, and the Social Security wrinkles unique to your job.

Last reviewed May 4, 2026

Editorial review pending — see editorial process

The retirement landscape for a federal employee

Pension

FERS has three legs: the FERS basic annuity (pension), Social Security, and the TSP (with 5% agency match). Minimum retirement age (MRA) ranges from 55 to 57 depending on birth year.

Tax-advantaged accounts

The TSP has the lowest expense ratios of any defined-contribution plan in the US. Roth TSP is available. Most federal employees should contribute at least 5% to capture the full match.

Social Security

FERS covers Social Security normally. The (older) CSRS system does not — those employees face WEP/GPO offsets.

Run the calculator with a typical federal employee starting point

Pre-filled: age 47, savings $280,000. Adjust to your actual numbers from there.

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Frequently asked

Should I retire at MRA + 10 or wait?
MRA + 10 retirements have a permanent annuity reduction of 5% per year you're under 62 (with carve-outs). Postponing your annuity to 60 or 62 can avoid the reduction.
Is the FERS Supplement worth waiting for?
The FERS Supplement bridges from your retirement age to 62 (when Social Security starts). It's earnings-tested — substantial part-time income reduces or eliminates it.
Should I keep money in the TSP after I retire?
The TSP's low fees and stability are hard to beat. Many retirees keep their balance there indefinitely. Roll out only if you need flexibility the TSP doesn't offer.

Primary sources

Every profession-specific rule above traces to one of these primary sources. We re-verify each link annually; current as of the last-reviewed date below.