Retirement and the Foreign Service Spouse

Retirement for Foreign Service Spouses Who Have Worked in Government Positions Overseas
Foreign Service spouses employed at U.S. missions overseas qualify for retirement benefits if hired on a Family Member Appointment (FMA). Those retirement benefits fall under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Spouses hired on an FMA are also eligible to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a supplemental retirement savings and investment plan.

Spouses should review the resources below from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for determining eligibility for retirement. Also, OPM's information on retirement planning provides tips for what to do five-years, one year, six months, and two-months before retirement.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Resources
Thinking About Retirement? (.pdf) Thinking About Retirement? (.html)
Retirement Planning: Frequently Asked Questions

The PIT Buyback Program - Apply for the PIT Buyback Program Before the August 29, 2008 Deadline
This program allows family members who worked as Part-time, Intermittent, Temporary (PIT) employees in U.S. embassies between 1989-1998 to purchase credit towards retirement benefits for their government service. More information, guidance and instructions

Retirement Courses for Department of State Employees
The FSI Transition Center's Career Transition Center hosts retirement planning courses for Department of State employees.  Eligible family members may participate on a space available basis in the Retirement Planning Seminar.

Survivor Benefits for Foreign Service Spouses
Survivor entitlements for the Department of State are handled by the Office of Retirement. See contact information under Highlights to the right. 

Retirement Information for Former Spouses
Former Spouse Benefits Under the Foreign Service Retirement System

Additional Sources of Retirement Income
Foreign Service spouses who do not qualify for retirement benefits through the U.S. Federal government have many options for ensuring that basic living expenses are covered during the "retirement years." Whether you are receiving a retirement benefit through your work or not, the goal is to ensure a guaranteed income through dedicated financial planning. There are several ways to do this through work-related retirement accounts, annuities, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Certificates of Deposit (CDs), mutual funds, and individual stocks and bonds.  Link to AARPs information on retirement planning.

Social Security
The Social Security Administration's Online Retirement Planner

Federal Insurance Programs
Federal Long Term Care Insurance
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office
Contact the Family Liaison Office