Federal Retirement Planning
Get started →
Your federal retirement planning resource.
Most federal employees attend an agency-sponsored retirement seminar before retiring — and leave with more questions than answers. Federalretirement.net was built to answer those questions, for both CSRS and FERS employees, at every stage of the retirement planning process.
This site guides you step-by-step through annuity calculations, benefit elections, estate planning, survivor guidance, and the financial decisions that determine whether you retire comfortably — or not. Every resource is free.
Comprehensive coverage of both CSRS and FERS retirement systems
Benefits guidance — FEHB, FEGLI, Medicare, TSP, and more
Estate planning and survivor guidance — the sections most retirees skip
Free Ask the Experts forums with experienced federal retirement professionals
Built on 35+ years of federal service by Dennis V. Damp, FAA retired
Since 1990s
Helping federal employees plan retirement since the early 1990s
CSRS & FERS
Both retirement systems fully covered — eligibility, annuity, benefits, and estate planning
Free
All site resources, expert forums, newsletter, and planning tools free to access
Not sure where to start? Download and complete the Retirement Cost Analysis spreadsheet — it lists your pre- and post-retirement income and expenses side by side, including a column for your survivor. It's the single most important first step.
FERS
Federal Employees
Federal Employees
Retirement System.
If you were hired after January 1, 1987 — or converted from CSRS — you are covered under FERS. Your retirement income combines a FERS annuity, Social Security, and your Thrift Savings Plan. Understanding how all three work together is essential to planning effectively.
The resources at right cover eligibility rules, annuity computation, disability retirement, deferred annuity options, and how creditable service is calculated.
Explore FERS →FERS Resources
Federal Employees Retirement System
CSRS Resources
Civil Service Retirement System
CSRS
Civil Service
Civil Service
Retirement System.
CSRS covers federal employees hired before 1984 who did not convert to FERS. Unlike FERS, CSRS provides a single defined-benefit annuity that can reach up to 80% of your high-3 average salary — with no Social Security component for most participants.
The resources at left cover eligibility, annuity computation, CSRS Offset rules, deferred retirement, and creditable service credit including sick leave conversion.
Explore CSRS →
VERA & VSIP
Early Retirement
Early Retirement
& Incentive Programs.
Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP) allow eligible federal employees to retire earlier than their normal retirement date — often in response to agency reorganizations, workforce reductions, or budget pressures.
If your agency has announced or is expected to announce a VERA or VSIP, understanding your options quickly is critical. The resources at right cover eligibility, how early retirement affects your annuity, and what to expect.
Explore VERA & VSIP →VERA & VSIP Resources
Early Retirement & Separation Incentives
Plan Your Retirement With Confidence
You worked decades for your federal benefits. Don't leave retirement to chance — get the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your annuity, benefits, and financial future.
Get started today →
“
I spent 3 hours on the web looking for answers to questions concerning federal retirement. After a Google search yielded your address, it took only 20 minutes to find all of my answers. Thank you!!!
Rod H.