CSRS Retirement Calculator
The Civil Service Retirement System pension formula is tiered: 1.5% for years 1-5, 1.75% for years 6-10, and 2.0% for year 11 and beyond, capped at 80% of high-3. Calculate your exact annual pension including unused sick leave credit.
How this calculator works and the math behind itCSRS vs. FERS: key differences
CSRS was closed to new federal employees in 1984, replaced by FERS. CSRS is generally more generous: the tiered formula produces higher replacement rates faster, CSRS retirees get full CPI COLA with no cap, and they contribute a higher percentage of salary (7-8% vs. the FERS 0.8-4.4% depending on hire date). The tradeoff is that CSRS employees are generally not covered by Social Security.
A CSRS employee with 30 years and a $90,000 high-3 receives approximately $48,375/year (53.75% replacement rate). A FERS employee with the same tenure and salary receives approximately $27,000/year (30% replacement rate) -- but also gets TSP matching and Social Security, which can close the gap significantly.
The 80% cap on CSRS benefits means that after approximately 41.5 years of service, additional years do not increase the pension. Unused sick leave converts to additional service credit at 2,087 hours per year, potentially pushing you over the cap at no additional cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CSRS formula?
1.5% times high-3 average salary for years 1-5, plus 1.75% for years 6-10, plus 2.0% for each year beyond 10. Capped at 80% of high-3. Unused sick leave adds additional creditable service at 2,087 hours per year.
What is the high-3 for CSRS?
The average of your three consecutive highest years of basic pay. Does not include overtime, bonuses, or allowances. Does not have to be your last three years -- it is the highest three consecutive years in your career.
Does CSRS include Social Security?
Generally no. CSRS employees hired before 1984 paid into the CSRS system, not Social Security. If you have SS-covered earnings from other jobs, your SS benefit may be reduced by WEP.
What COLA does CSRS receive?
Full CPI-W increase with no cap. CSRS retirees receive the entire annual inflation adjustment. FERS retirees receive either CPI-1% (if CPI is above 3%) or the full CPI (if CPI is 2% or below), making CSRS COLA significantly more valuable over long retirements.
When can a CSRS employee retire with full benefits?
Age 55 with 30 years of service, age 60 with 20 years, or age 62 with 5 years. Early retirement options include VERA at age 50 with 20 years or any age with 25 years.