What are the eligibility requirements for federal retirement benefits?

The eligibility requirements for federal retirement benefits can vary based on the specific retirement system an employee participates in, such as the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Generally, to qualify for retirement benefits, federal employees must meet certain age and service requirements. For FERS, an employee is eligible to retire at age fifty-seven with at least thirty years of service, age fifty-two with at least twenty years of service, or at age sixty-two with at least five years of service. There is also a provision for early retirement, which may apply under specific circumstances, such as a reduction-in-force. Under CSRS, an employee is eligible to retire at age sixty-two with at least five years of service, age fifty-five with thirty years of service, or at age fifty-two with twenty years of service. Similar to FERS, there are provisions for early retirement. It is important to note that federal employees must also ensure they have paid into the retirement system to qualify for benefits. Additionally, both retirement systems have their own specific rules regarding contributions, annuity calculations, and survivor benefits. For the most accurate and detailed information, individuals can refer to the relevant sections of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website, which also provides contact information for further inquiries.