BEHIND THE NUMBERS
How this calculation works
Worked example
FERS retirement at 62 with 20 years uses 1.1% × 20 × $100,000 = $22,000 annually, or $1,833.33 monthly.
Example result: US$1,833.33
Use the pay average for the selected scheme
Military High-36 selects the highest 36 eligible monthly basic-pay amounts, which need not be consecutive. FERS and CSRS instead use the highest consecutive 36 months of eligible civilian basic salary. The FERS disability branch can use the entire salary history when service is shorter than three years, with at least 18 months required.
Service and pension formulas differ
Military legacy High-36 uses 2.5% per credited service year and BRS uses 2%; reserve points are divided by 360. Civilian FERS and CSRS use their own service formulas, age conditions and survivor elections. Select the scheme before entering service or pay history. Military disability and ordinary FERS disability use the specific comparisons described in their results.
Assumptions and rounding
- Military active-duty, reserve and permanent-disability monthly pensions are rounded down to the next whole dollar before deductions. The active-duty annual equivalent is twelve times that rounded monthly amount.
- FERS and CSRS estimates apply the annual pension formula and any supported survivor-election reduction, then divide by twelve and display the monthly estimate to cents. Display rounding does not alter the underlying annual calculation.
- Pay history must include the eligible basic-pay entitlement for the selected scheme. Military allowances and bonuses are excluded; civilian qualifying locality pay belongs in the basic salary.
Questions about this calculator
Does this include civilian FERS?
Yes, with a consecutive 36-month salary history, ordinary or qualifying special service, age checks and survivor elections.
Can reserve service be entered?
Yes. Reserve points are converted to service years by dividing by 360.