Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)

Experienced Attorneys Specializing in CSRS

At QDRO Masters, our team of experienced attorneys specializes in Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) regulations and procedures. We are committed to offering you the best legal advice and guidance when it comes to your retirement benefits. Reach out to us today to find out how we can assist you with your CSRS requirements.

Categories of Eligibility

These categories denote the areas of eligibility for the CSRS annuity payments:

• Optional: Should you leave Federal Service after meeting the age and service requirement, you are eligible for an optional annuity. If you leave Federal Service prior to meeting the age and service requirements for an immediate retirement benefit, you may be eligible for deferred retirement benefits.
• Special Optional: For air traffic controllers, law enforcement, and firefighters, you must retire under special provisions. Air traffic controllers may also retire at any age, provided they have been employed for at least 25 years of service as an air traffic controller.
• Early Optional: Your agency must be undergoing a reduction in force, major reorganization, or transfer of function as determined by the Office of Personnel Management. The annuity is reduced if you are under the age of 55.
• Discontinued Service: Your separation must be involuntary, and not a removal for misconduct or delinquency.
• Disability: You must be disabled in your current position for useful and efficient service, and any other vacant position at the same pay grade or level within your commuting area and current agency, for which you’re qualified. The disability must have occurred prior to retirement, and should be expected to last at least one year.

Can CSRS and Social Security be collected? Are CSRS Retirees Eligible for Medicare?

CSRS retirees are eligible for both Social Security and Medicare. Most Federal employees are entitled to Medicare Part A at no cost to them. Social Security benefits may be reduced, however, by the application of other pension programs.

How Much Is the CSRS Death Benefit?

A spouse is entitled to 55% of your annuity based on your length of service and high-three salary at the time of death. Eligible children are also entitled to a survivor benefit.

What is the Difference Between CSRS and FERS?

They differ slightly in that CSRS makes cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) annually, regardless of when an employee retires, while retirees under FERS generally don’t receive a COLA on their annuities until they reach age 62 and are eligible for a regular Social Security benefit. Additionally, employees under the FERS system will receive matching contributions to their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) where the CSRS employees can make contributions to the TSP but do not receive matching funds.