Foreign Service & Civil Service Retirement Eligibility
In order to be eligible for an FSPS benefit, you must have completed at least 5-years of creditable civilian service in FSPS (does not include military buyback time) and separate from an FSPS position.
In order to be eligible for a FERS benefit, you must have completed at least 5-years of creditable civilian service (does not include military buyback time) and separate from a FERS position.
*57 or completes 20-years of service if then over that age. The agency head may exempt the automatic separation until the employee reaches age 60.
**56 or completes 20-years of service if then over that age. The Secretary may exempt those with "exceptional skills and experience" until the controller becomes age 61.
***This is under review by AFSA. Previously, a Foreign Service deferred pension at MRA w/ 20-years of service was to receive a 1.7% multiplier. As of 2/16/25, it's being reported that in 2018, Global Talent Management (GTM/RET) on the advice of the Office of Employment Law (L/EMP) changed it from 1.7% to 1% for deferred pensions at MRA, even with 20-years. There is STILL no age-based reduction prior to 62 as of now.