FERS Annuity Calculator 2026
Estimate your FERS basic annuity with survivor benefits and COLA projections.
Your Information
Your Results
Enter your information and click "Calculate" to see your FERS annuity estimate.
About the 1.1% Multiplier
If you retire at age 62 or older with at least 20 years of service, your annuity is calculated using the 1.1% multiplier instead of 1%. This can significantly increase your pension. For example, with 25 years and a $100,000 High-3: 1% = $25,000/year vs 1.1% = $27,500/year - a $2,500 annual difference.
FERS Annuity Formulas
Standard Formula (Under 62 or Less Than 20 Years)
1% x High-3 x Years of ServiceUsed for most FERS retirements where you're under age 62 or have less than 20 years of service.
Enhanced Formula (Age 62+ with 20+ Years)
1.1% x High-3 x Years of ServiceIf you retire at age 62 or older with at least 20 years of service, you get the enhanced 1.1% multiplier.
Survivor Benefit (50% Option)
Annuity reduced by 10%Provide 50% of your annuity to your surviving spouse. This reduces your annuity by 10%.
MRA+10 Early Retirement
5% reduction per year before age 62Retiring at MRA with only 10 years of service results in a 5% reduction for each year you're under 62.
FERS Retirement Eligibility
| Retirement Type | Age | Years of Service | Benefit Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate (MRA+30) | MRA (56-57) | 30+ years | None |
| Immediate (60+20) | 60+ | 20+ years | None |
| Immediate (62+5) | 62+ | 5+ years | None (1.1% multiplier!) |
| MRA+10 (Early) | MRA (56-57) | 10+ years | 5% per year before 62 |
| Deferred | 62 | 5+ years | None (no FEHB eligibility) |
Note: Your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) depends on your birth year. For those born in 1970 or later, the MRA is 57. Earlier birth years have MRAs between 55-57.
FERS COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustments)
How FERS COLA Works
FERS COLAs are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) but are capped:
- If CPI increase is 2% or less: You get the full COLA
- If CPI increase is 2-3%: You get 2%
- If CPI increase is over 3%: You get CPI minus 1%
Important: COLA Timing
FERS retirees under age 62 do not receive COLAs on their basic annuity (though COLAs still apply to the FERS Supplement). Once you turn 62, your annuity will receive annual COLAs each January.
Protect Your FERS Pension with Gold
Your FERS annuity provides stable income, but COLA caps mean inflation can erode purchasing power over time. Federal employees should consider diversifying beyond TSP and FERS with a Gold IRA for inflation protection.
COLA Gap
FERS COLAs are capped below true inflation in high-inflation years
Gold Hedge
Gold historically rises during high inflation periods
TSP Rollover
Roll TSP to a Gold IRA after separation or at 59 1/2
FERS Annuity FAQ
What counts as creditable service for FERS?▼
Creditable service includes all federal civilian service, certain military service (if you make a deposit), and any service credit you've purchased. Part-time service counts proportionally based on hours worked.
Can I increase my High-3 average before retiring?▼
Yes! Strategies include: getting promoted, moving to a higher locality pay area, maximizing within-grade increases, or taking temporary assignments with higher pay. Even your final years matter significantly.
Is my FERS annuity taxable?▼
Most of your FERS annuity is taxable as ordinary income. A small portion may be tax-free as a return of your after-tax contributions. State taxation varies - some states don't tax federal pensions.
What happens to my annuity if I die?▼
If you elected a survivor benefit, your surviving spouse receives 25% or 50% of your annuity for life. Without a survivor election, the annuity stops at your death (though there may be a lump-sum payment of remaining contributions).
Can I work after retiring from FERS?▼
Yes, with some considerations. Working for the federal government may affect your annuity. Private sector work doesn't affect your FERS annuity but may affect your FERS Supplement (earnings test) if you're under 62.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on standard FERS formulas. Your actual annuity is calculated by OPM and may differ based on your specific employment history, sick leave credit, and other factors. This is not official guidance. Contact your HR office or OPM for definitive calculations.
Diversify Your Federal Retirement
Federal employees can roll TSP funds into a Gold IRA after separation. Augusta Precious Metals specializes in helping federal retirees protect their savings from inflation.