FERS deferred retirement calculator
Estimate a future annuity and identify your FERS retirement path.
- Rule snapshot
- Reviewed
- Primary sources
- OPM FERS retirement guidance
- Privacy
- Inputs stay in your browser
Choose a starting point
Deferred and postponed differ
Both involve a later payment date, but the retirement status at separation changes insurance and sick-leave treatment.
| Question | True deferred | Postponed MRA+10 |
|---|---|---|
| Status at separation | You leave before qualifying for an immediate retirement benefit. | You meet MRA+10 at separation and choose a later annuity start. |
| Unused sick leave | Excluded from eligibility and annuity computation. | May count in computation after the annuity begins, but never establishes eligibility. |
| FEHB and FEGLI | Cannot be reinstated through the deferred annuity. | Suspended during postponement; may resume at commencement if continuation rules were met. |
| FERS supplement | Not available. | Not available for an MRA+10 retirement. |
- Status at separation
- True deferredYou leave before qualifying for an immediate retirement benefit.
- Postponed MRA+10You meet MRA+10 at separation and choose a later annuity start.
- Unused sick leave
- True deferredExcluded from eligibility and annuity computation.
- Postponed MRA+10May count in computation after the annuity begins, but never establishes eligibility.
- FEHB and FEGLI
- True deferredCannot be reinstated through the deferred annuity.
- Postponed MRA+10Suspended during postponement; may resume at commencement if continuation rules were met.
- FERS supplement
- True deferredNot available.
- Postponed MRA+10Not available for an MRA+10 retirement.
How the estimate works
The page reuses FedUp's tested FERS rules engine and keeps eligibility screening separate from the dollar formula.
- 01
Classify the path
Birth year, separation age, service, and start age distinguish true deferred from postponed MRA+10.
- 02
Apply the FERS formula
The regular deferred estimate uses the high-3 and service at separation with the 1% factor, then applies any age reduction.
- 03
Show benefit consequences
FEHB, FEGLI, the supplement, and unused sick leave are shown separately so the annuity amount does not hide lost benefits.
FERS deferred retirement FAQ
What is a FERS deferred retirement?
A deferred retirement is a future annuity for a former FERS-covered employee who did not qualify for an immediate annuity within 30 days of separation, meets the applicable age and civilian-service requirements, and generally left retirement deductions in the system. OPM makes the determination from the complete record.
What is the difference between deferred and postponed retirement?
Postponed retirement starts with MRA+10 eligibility at separation; the employee delays the payment date to reduce or avoid the age reduction. True deferred retirement applies when an immediate path was not available at separation. The distinction changes sick-leave and insurance treatment.
When can a deferred FERS annuity begin?
OPM lists age 62 with at least five years of creditable civilian service, MRA with at least 30 years, or MRA with at least 10 years. A start before age 62 with 10 to 29 years can carry an age reduction; 20 years can eliminate the reduction at age 60, and 30 years can eliminate it at MRA. Exact commencement dates require OPM review.
Can I restore FEHB or FEGLI with a deferred annuity?
No. OPM says recipients of a true deferred annuity cannot reenroll in Federal health benefits or life insurance. A postponed MRA+10 annuity is different: coverage is suspended during postponement and may resume when payments begin if the applicable continuation requirements were met.
Does a deferred retiree receive the FERS annuity supplement?
No. OPM excludes deferred annuitants from the FERS annuity supplement. OPM also excludes MRA+10 retirements, so postponing an MRA+10 start does not create supplement eligibility.
How is the deferred annuity estimated?
The planning estimate uses the high-3 average salary and creditable service in effect when you separated, usually with the regular 1% FERS factor. It excludes future salary growth and unused sick leave for a true deferred annuity. A reduced MRA+10-style start applies 5/12 of 1% for each full month under age 62, subject to OPM's exceptions.
Does this calculator decide whether I qualify?
No. It is not an eligibility decision; it screens the facts you enter against published rules and names the modeled path. Agency HR and OPM must verify exact dates, civilian service, deposits or refunds, coverage history, survivor elections, and the payable annuity.
Primary federal sources
Rules were last checked 2026-08-21. OPM remains the source of truth for an individual claim.
- OPM FERS types of retirement
Current deferred and postponed rules, benefit consequences, and application timing.
- OPM FERS eligibility
Minimum Retirement Age and deferred age-and-service thresholds.
- OPM FERS computation
High-3 definition and regular FERS basic-annuity formula.
- OPM Handbook, Chapter 45
Deferred-retirement administration and insurance information for separating employees.
- OPM planning and applying
FEHB and FEGLI continuation treatment for postponed MRA+10 annuities.
- OPM Handbook, Chapter 51
Retiree annuity supplement eligibility and excluded retirement categories.
Need a broader retirement screen? Use the full FERS retirement calculator. If your salary input is uncertain, reconstruct it with the FERS high-3 calculator. Considering a withdrawal instead? Review the FERS refund consequences.