OPM Retirement Annuity Estimator
Use this calculator to get an estimated annual and monthly retirement annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
Your highest average basic pay earned during any 3 consecutive years of service.
Applies to specific roles with different annuity multipliers under FERS.
Choosing this option provides an annuity to a surviving spouse, reducing your own annuity.
Estimated Annuity:
Enter your details and click "Calculate Annuity" to see your estimated retirement.
Understanding Your OPM Retirement Annuity
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administers retirement benefits for federal employees. Your retirement annuity is a defined benefit, meaning it's calculated based on a formula involving your years of service, your "High-3" average salary, and a specific multiplier.
Key Components of Your Annuity Calculation:
- High-3 Average Salary: This is the highest average of your basic pay earned during any 3 consecutive years of service. This period doesn't have to be your last three years, but it often is.
- Years of Creditable Service: This includes all periods of federal civilian service for which retirement deductions were withheld, plus any military service for which a deposit was made.
- Age at Retirement: Your age at retirement, combined with your years of service, determines your eligibility for an immediate unreduced annuity and influences the multiplier used in the calculation.
- Retirement System (FERS vs. CSRS):
- FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System): Most federal employees hired after 1983 are under FERS. It's a three-tiered system comprising a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The basic annuity multiplier is typically 1% per year of service, or 1.1% if you retire at age 62 or later with at least 20 years of service.
- CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System): For employees hired before 1984. CSRS annuities are generally higher as they do not include Social Security benefits. The multiplier is more complex, typically 1.5% for the first 5 years, 1.75% for the next 5 years, and 2% for years over 10.
- Special Category Employees: Certain occupations like Law Enforcement Officers (LEO), Firefighters, and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) have different, often more generous, multipliers due to the demanding nature of their work and earlier mandatory retirement ages. This calculator applies a simplified FERS special category multiplier.
- Social Security Supplement (FERS Only): If you retire under FERS before age 62 and are eligible for an immediate annuity, you may receive a Social Security Supplement. This payment approximates the Social Security benefit you earned as a federal employee until you reach age 62. This calculator provides a simplified estimate.
- Survivor Benefit: You can elect to provide a survivor annuity to your spouse. This typically reduces your own annuity by 10% for the maximum benefit.
How This Calculator Works:
This calculator provides an estimate based on common OPM formulas. It takes your High-3 salary, years and months of service, and retirement age to determine a basic annuity. It also accounts for FERS vs. CSRS, special category status (for FERS), and an optional survivor benefit reduction. For FERS retirees under age 62, a simplified Social Security Supplement estimate is included.
Important Disclaimer:
This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only and should not be considered a guarantee of your actual OPM retirement benefits. OPM's calculations can be complex and depend on many individual factors, including specific service history, types of service, and legislative changes. The Social Security Supplement estimate is particularly simplified. Always consult with an OPM benefits specialist or your agency's HR/benefits office for a personalized and accurate retirement estimate.