Q. I am in the category of FERS employees that “max-out” on every pay period. In fact, I have to give back part of my salary, which is shown on my pay statement as “OVER EARN LIMIT.” My question is: Will my average high-3 for retirement purposes be calculated on my official salary, or will it be based on my actual “maxed-out” pay, which is less than my official salary?
A. Your “high-3” is based solely on the amount of basic pay that you receive, not what you would have received but for any limitation or cap.
