CSRS
Civil Service Retirement System – A defined‑benefit pension for federal employees hired before 1984
What is CSRS?
The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) is a defined‑benefit pension program for most federal employees first hired before 1984. Participants contribute a portion of their basic pay (generally 7–8 percent) to fund the annuity, and the employing agency makes a matching contribution. CSRS employees generally do not pay Social Security taxes, though they do pay the 1.45 percent Medicare tax, and they may make voluntary contributions of up to 10 percent of their basic pay or contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan without a government match.
Key Features of CSRS
Defined‑Benefit Pension: Guaranteed lifetime annuity based on your “high‑3” average salary and years of service
Employee Contributions: Employees contribute 7–8 % of basic pay and can make additional voluntary contributions of up to 10%
TSP Option: You may also contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP); however, there is no government matching for CSRS participants
Disability & Survivor Protection: Provides benefits if you become disabled or to your eligible survivors
CSRS Retirement Categories
Eligibility requirements depend on your age and years of service
Optional Retirement
Eligibility
- • Age 62 with 5 or more years of service
- • Age 60 with 20 or more years of service
- • Age 55 with 30 or more years of service
Provides an immediate unreduced annuity once you meet the age and service thresholds.
Early Optional
Eligibility
- • Age 50 with 20 or more years of service
- • Any age with 25 or more years of service
Note: Offered during major reorganizations or reductions‑in‑force; the annuity is reduced if you retire before age 55.
Special Provisions
Eligibility
- • Age 50 with 20 or more years of service
- • Any age with 25 or more years (air traffic controllers only)
Applies to law enforcement officers, firefighters and air‑traffic controllers. These employees receive an immediate annuity upon separation without reduction.
Discontinued Service
Eligibility
- • Involuntary separation not due to misconduct
- • Age 50 with 20 or more years of service
- • Any age with 25 or more years of service
Provides benefits if you are separated due to downsizing or lack of work. Reductions for retiring before age 55 may apply.
Disability Retirement
Eligibility
- • 5 or more years of creditable civilian service
- • Disabled for useful and efficient service in your position
- • The agency cannot accommodate the disability
Provides an immediate annuity if you are unable to perform your duties because of illness or injury.
How CSRS Benefits Are Calculated
Understanding the factors that determine your annuity
Basic Annuity Formula
High‑3 Average Salary
Your “high‑3” is the average of your highest three consecutive years of basic pay.
Creditable Service
Includes all your years and months of federal service plus any purchased service credit.
CSRS Percentage
The annuity percentage increases with length of service, typically starting around 1.5 % for the first 5 years and increasing for additional years.
Vesting and Service Credit
Vesting
You earn a vested right to a future annuity after completing 5 years of creditable civilian service.
Voluntary Contributions
You may make additional contributions of up to 10 % of basic pay to increase your annuity or receive a refund with interest when you retire.
CSRS Survivor Benefits
Continuing financial protection for your loved ones
Spouse Benefits
You may elect a survivor annuity for your spouse equal to 55 % of your unreduced annuity. The cost of a full survivor election is generally 2.5 % of the first $3,600 of your annuity plus 10 % of the remainder (a reduced election is available at a lower cost). If you do not elect a survivor annuity, your spouse may not continue coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.
Children’s Benefits
Eligible dependent children (unmarried and under age 18, or up to 22 if full‑time students) may receive a monthly benefit if you die. Benefits are subject to maximum family limitations and are reduced by any Social Security survivors’ benefits.
Enrollment and Important Considerations
Key information about participating in CSRS
Automatic Enrollment
Employees hired before 1984 are automatically covered by CSRS unless they elected to transfer to FERS. You contribute a percentage of your salary each pay period through payroll deductions, and your employing agency makes a matching contribution.
Current Contribution Rates
- • Most CSRS employees: 7 % or 7.5 % of salary
- • Law enforcement & firefighter positions: 7.5 % or 8 %
- • Additional voluntary contributions up to 10 % of basic pay
Pre‑Retirement Planning
Retirement Application
Submit your retirement application 60–90 days before your intended retirement date to ensure timely processing.
Survivor Benefit Election
Your survivor benefit election at retirement is generally irrevocable. Weigh your options carefully and consider your spouse’s needs.
Beneficiary Designations
Keep your beneficiary forms up to date for your CSRS contributions, voluntary contributions, and any TSP account you maintain.
Make the Most of Your CSRS Benefits
CSRS offers generous retirement benefits for long‑serving federal employees. Understanding the rules and making informed choices about your contributions, survivor elections and voluntary contributions will help you achieve a secure retirement.
1 Information about CSRS contributions and features is sourced from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s CSRS information page.
2 Eligibility requirements for CSRS retirement categories are drawn from OPM’s CSRS eligibility guidance.