Methodology and model limits

MyFedPlan combines educational guides with scenario calculators. The estimates depend on the information you enter and on the model’s assumptions. The examples below explain ordinary pension formulas; they do not demonstrate that every special provision, tax rule, or personnel-record detail is modeled. Your agency and OPM determine official retirement benefits.

Ordinary FERS pension example

For a regular FERS employee separating before age 62, or with fewer than 20 years of service, the basic annual annuity generally uses 1% × High-3 basic pay × creditable service. At age 62 or older at separation with at least 20 years, the factor is generally 1.1%. A $100,000 High-3 and 30 years produce $30,000 a year at 1%, or $33,000 at 1.1%, before reductions and deductions. These are gross pension illustrations, not take-home income. See OPM’s FERS computation rules.

Ordinary CSRS pension example

The regular CSRS formula uses 1.5% for each of the first five years, 1.75% for the next five, and 2% for each year beyond ten. For 30 years, that totals 56.25% of High-3: $56,250 a year on $100,000 of High-3 basic pay, before reductions or deductions. CSRS Offset, service deposits, and special-category service can change the result. See OPM’s CSRS computation guidance.

Eligibility, reductions, and service records

Eligibility and benefit computation are separate questions. Unused sick leave may increase the service used for computing an annuity but cannot establish retirement eligibility. Under MRA+10, an age reduction generally applies before 62; an annuity beginning at 60 with at least 20 years of service avoids that age reduction. Postponed and deferred retirement have different insurance consequences. Check OPM’s retirement types and confirm your service record with your agency.

TSP and savings projections

TSP and savings models project the contribution and growth assumptions you choose. Assumed annual returns are scenarios, not guaranteed performance or current fund quotations. A constant return does not model market volatility, sequence-of-returns risk, every tax effect, or future contribution limits. For FERS matching, 1% automatic plus up to 4% matching gives a total agency contribution of 5% when the employee contributes at least 5% each pay period. Check TSP contribution types and current contribution limits.

Social Security estimates

The site’s Social Security tool uses simplified earnings and benefit assumptions. It does not access your SSA earnings record or determine disability eligibility. Historical inputs and future assumptions can differ from SSA’s official calculation. Compare results with your my Social Security account and SSA calculators. WEP and GPO were repealed for benefits payable for January 2024 onward; see SSA’s Fairness Act guidance.

How inputs are processed

Some calculations run in your browser, while pension and eligibility tools use the configured calculation service. When that service is unavailable, a production calculation must report an error rather than substitute demonstration results. Saved profile and linked scenario values live in your browser’s local storage. Email reports are sent only when you request delivery. See the Privacy Policy.

Editorial accountability and corrections

Quantos LLC is responsible for publishing this site. We cite primary agency guidance and distinguish worked examples from individual benefit determinations. We do not claim independent certification by a credentialed retirement specialist. To report a problem, email support@myfedplan.us with the page URL, the assumption in question, and an agency source where available. Do not send private personnel records.