CSRS vs. FERS

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Q: I came into the federal government in August 1984, which shows up as my service computation date on my SF-50. Although I’m covered by FERS, when I try to do a ballpark estimate of retirement, I get a message saying that I am not under FERS because of my SCD.

I am having trouble understanding why I am not considered to be under FERS. Am I really under CSRS?

 

A: I have no idea why the estimator you are using says that you aren’t under FERS. Everyone first hired after Dec. 31, 1983,  is covered by FERS. Instead of beating your head against a clearly defective calculator, I suggest you go to www.FEDbens.us and use the dependable one that you’ll find there.
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Reg Jones was head of retirement and insurance policy at the Office of Personnel Management. Email your retirement-related questions to fedexperts@federaltimes.com.

2 Comments

  1. Wendell Seawright on

    Q. I came into the Federal government as a Stay in school student in 1982. I worked in this position for the Department of Education until 1985. My form SF-50 says I am a FERS employee with a SCD of March 1984.
    I currently paying a $1400 deposit for the 1982 – 1985 service credits. I currently have 33 years of service not counting the service credit.

    Does completing the payment of the service credit place me under the CSRS retirement since my actual service began in 1982. Thanks.

    • You wouldn’t be entitled to coverage under CSRS unless you had 5 years of creditable service under that retirement system when FERS became effective on January 1, 1986.

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