CSRS Retirement,
without the confusion.
The Civil Service Retirement System covers federal employees who began service before 1987. Understanding your eligibility, annuity options, and deferred benefits is the first step to a confident retirement.
Five ways to retire
under CSRS.
CSRS eligibility is based on your age, years of creditable service, and any special requirements tied to your position. You must also have served in a CSRS-covered position for at least one of the last two years before retirement. An immediate annuity begins within 30 days of separation.
There are five categories of retirement benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System. Each has its own age and service requirements — and some carry additional conditions tied to your agency or position type.
If you meet one of the qualifying sets of requirements, you may be eligible for an immediate CSRS retirement benefit. For most employees the path is Optional Retirement — but law enforcement, air traffic controllers, and employees facing agency reorganizations have additional options available to them.
You must have served in a CSRS-covered position for at least one of the last two years before your retirement date.
CSRS eligibility
at a glance.
The chart below covers all five retirement types. Pick the row that matches your situation — then check the special requirements column to confirm you qualify.
| Type of Retirement | Min. Age | Min. Service | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optional Standard path for most CSRS employees |
62 | 5 yrs | None |
| 60 | 20 yrs | ||
| 55 | 30 yrs | ||
| Special Optional Air traffic controllers & law enforcement |
50 | 20 yrs | Must retire under special provisions for air traffic controllers or law enforcement / firefighter personnel. Air traffic controllers may also retire at any age with 25 years of ATC service. |
| Early Optional Agency reduction or reorganization |
Any age | 25 yrs | Agency must be undergoing a major reorganization, reduction-in-force, or transfer of function as determined by OPM. Annuity is reduced if you are under age 55. |
| 50 | 20 yrs | ||
| Discontinued Service Involuntary separation |
Any age | 25 yrs | Your separation must be involuntary and not a removal for misconduct or delinquency. |
| 50 | 20 yrs | ||
| Disability Medical incapacity |
Any age | 5 yrs | You must be disabled for useful and efficient service in your current position and any other vacant position at the same grade or pay level within your commuting area and current agency for which you are qualified. Must be prior to retirement, or within one year of separation (except in cases of mental incompetence). |
Which track
fits your situation?
Each retirement type has a different trigger and different annuity treatment. Here's a quick-reference breakdown of the three most common paths and what makes each one distinct.
Optional Retirement
The standard path. You choose when to retire — as long as you meet one of the age + service combinations.
No special requirements. Full annuity begins within 30 days of separation.
Early Optional
Available when your agency is undergoing a major reorganization, reduction-in-force, or transfer of function as determined by OPM.
Annuity is reduced if you are under age 55 at the time of retirement.
Discontinued Service
Applies when your separation is involuntary — but not a removal for misconduct or delinquency.
Reduction-in-force layoffs are the most common trigger for this category.
Special Optional — Law Enforcement & Air Traffic Controllers
Employees in these roles may retire at age 50 with 20 years of service under special provisions. Air traffic controllers have an additional option: retirement at any age with 25 years of service as an ATC. Check with your HR office to confirm your position qualifies.
Left federal service early?
Your annuity is still waiting.
If you left federal service before meeting the age and service requirements for an immediate retirement benefit, you may still be eligible for a deferred CSRS annuity — as long as you have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service and did not withdraw your contributions.
There is no reason to delay applying beyond age 62. If you withdraw the funds, consider placing the money in a Roth or Traditional IRA. If you decide on the CSRS annuity — it will not increase by waiting beyond the date you first become eligible.
How to apply for your deferred CSRS annuity
Complete OPM Form 1496A
Download and complete OPM Form 1496A (revised May 2012) and mail it to the address listed on the form. The form is 9 pages and includes detailed instructions — print it for reference. OPM completes the first section with a summary of your federal service record.
To estimate your CSRS annuity or the refund amount for contributions, visit the CSRS annuity page.
Contact OPM for assistance or a pre-filled copy
OPM can provide a copy of the form with your service dates already filled in. All requests must include: your name, any other names used while employed, current mailing address, Social Security number, date of birth, dates of service, and the retirement system you contributed to. If using email, be aware of the risks of transmitting personal information over unsecured networks.
Apply 60 days before your 62nd birthday
OPM advises waiting until 60 days prior to your 62nd birthday before contacting them for an "Application for Deferred Retirement." You can reach OPM at:
Toll-free: 1 (888) 767-6738Office of Personnel Management
PO Box 45, Boyers, PA 16017
Related links
& tools.
Official OPM resources, annuity calculators, and further reading on CSRS disability, early outs, and buyout programs.