FERS Deferred Annuity,
explained clearly.
Left federal service before reaching retirement age? If you have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service and didn't withdraw your funds, you're entitled to a benefit — you just have to know when and how to claim it.
What is a deferred annuity?
A deferred annuity means you leave federal service before meeting the age requirements for immediate retirement — but instead of losing your benefit, you delay collecting it until you qualify by age. Your contributions stay on account and the annuity waits for you.
Many federal employees leave for the private sector and forget about their FERS contributions entirely. If you worked for civil service or the Postal Service for at least five years and didn't withdraw your funds, you're sitting on a benefit you can still claim.
You can collect a FERS annuity at the ages shown in the eligibility table — as early as age 60 with 20 years of service, or age 62 with just 5 years. Alternatively, you can take a lump-sum refund of your retirement contributions, but you'll forfeit the annuity entirely. If you withdraw the funds, consider placing the money in a Roth or Traditional IRA with potential for growth.
There is no reason to delay applying beyond your eligibility date — the annuity will not increase by waiting.
The annuity is computed as a regular FERS annuity based on your high-3 average salary and years of creditable service. All benefits are retroactive to your eligibility date — so if you forgot and apply at age 65, you'll receive a lump sum covering the intervening years.
Collection ages
by years of service.
If you leave Federal service before meeting the age and service requirements for an immediate retirement benefit, you may be eligible for deferred retirement. You must have completed at least 5 years of creditable civilian service.
| Age | Years of Service Required |
|---|---|
| 62 | 5 years |
| 60 | 20 years |
| MRA | 30 years |
| MRA | 10 years |
Retiring at MRA with 10–29 years of service?
Your benefit is reduced 5% for each year you are under age 62 — unless you have 20 years of service and your benefit starts at age 60 or later.
How to initiate your annuity
after leaving federal service.
Apply 60 days before your eligibility date
OPM advises contacting them no earlier than 60 days before the date you become eligible — either your MRA, age 60, or age 62 depending on your years of service. Applying too early can cause processing delays.
Complete OPM Form RI 92-19
Download and complete OPM form RI 92-19 (revised May 2012) and mail it to the address listed on the form. The form is 9 pages and includes detailed instructions — print it out for guidance. OPM completes the first section, which summarizes your federal service record. 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.
Contact OPM directly if you need assistance
OPM can provide a copy of the form pre-filled with your service dates. Reach them by calling toll-free 1 (888) 767-6738, or by writing to: Office of Personnel Management, PO Box 45, Boyers, PA 16017. If using email, be aware of the risks of sending personal information over unsecured networks.
Surviving spouses: the same process applies
If a former federal employee dies before collecting the deferred annuity, the surviving spouse is eligible to receive 50% of the annuity, payable starting on the date the deceased employee would have met the age and service requirements. Lesser amounts are payable if the spouse needs to begin collecting earlier. Follow the same application process and contact OPM to initiate.
Questions & answers.
Common questions about deferred annuities, the 1.1% multiplier, and what happens to your benefits when you leave federal service early.
Forms & further reading.
Official OPM forms and pamphlets you'll need to initiate your deferred annuity or refund of contributions.