When can I retire, and what will I live on?

When were you born?

Your birth date sets your age today, the ages when you can retire, and your full retirement age for Social Security.

Which retirement system are you in?

Each system has its own rules. We'll ask questions that fit yours.

Washington DRS is coming later.

When did you start working in a PERS job?

Your start date puts you in one of three PERS groups. Each one has its own formula.

What kind of job do you have?

How many years have you worked in PERS jobs?

PERS calls this your service credit. Each year adds to your pension. We'll add the years you keep working until the date you pick.

Where to find it: your yearly PERS member statement lists your service. You can also see it in your PERS Online Member Services account.

What were your three best-paid years?

PERS bases your pension on your highest pay, averaged over three years. Use your gross yearly pay, before taxes.

For OPSRP: the three years must be in a row.

What's in your IAP account?

The Individual Account Program (IAP) is a separate savings account PERS keeps for you. Since 2004, part of each paycheck has gone into it. If you don't know, leave it at 0.

What's in your PERS member account?

Tier One and Tier Two members have a member account from contributions made before 2004. PERS also figures your pension a second way from this account, called Money Match, and pays you whichever way gives more.

This is not your IAP. Your statement lists the member account separately. Don't include voluntary or IAP money.

What kind of federal job do you have?

Some jobs retire under special rules with earlier retirement ages and a larger formula.

How many years of federal service do you have?

Count your creditable civilian service under FERS. We'll add the years you keep working until the date you pick.

Where to find it: your service computation date and sick leave balance are on your Leave and Earnings Statement.

What's your highest average yearly pay over three years in a row?

FERS calls this your "high-3". Use basic pay, including locality pay, but not overtime or bonuses. For most people it's their last three years.

What's in your TSP?

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is your federal retirement savings account. Your agency adds money too. If you don't know, leave the balance at 0.

What do you know about your Social Security?

Your Social Security statement has the most accurate number. If you don't have it handy, we can estimate from your pay.

Are you married?

A spouse can get Social Security based on your work, and you can choose a pension that keeps paying your spouse after you die.

At what age are you thinking of retiring?

This is when you'd stop working and start your pension. You can compare other dates on the results page.

When would you start Social Security?

You can start as early as 62 or wait until 70. Each month you wait raises your payment for life. Your retirement date and your Social Security date don't have to be the same.