Eligibility

There are five categories of benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Eligibility is based on your age and the number of years of creditable service and any other special requirements. In addition, you must have served in a position subject to CSRS coverage for one of the last two years before your retirement. If you meet one of the following sets of requirements, you may be eligible for an immediate retirement benefit. An immediate annuity is one that begins within 30 days after your separation.

Optional  |  Special Optional  |  Early Optional  |  Discontinued Service  |  Disability

Optional

If you leave Federal service before you meet the age and service requirements for an immediate retirement benefit, you may be eligible for deferred retirement benefits. To be eligible, you must have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service and be age 62.

Optional
Age	Years of Service
62	5
60	20
55	30

Special Optional

Special Optional
Age	Years of Service
50	20
Any Age	25

Early Optional

Special Requirements: You must retire under special provisions for air traffic controllers or law enforcement and firefighter personnel. Air traffic controllers can also retire at any age with 25 years of service as an air traffic controller.

Early Optional
Age	Years of Service
50	20
Any Age	25

Discontinued Service

Special Requirements: Your agency must be undergoing a major reorganization, reduction-in-force, or transfer of function determined by the Office of Personnel Management. Your annuity is reduced if you are under age 55.

Discontinued Service
Age	Years of Service
50	20
Any Age	25

Disability

Special Requirements: Your separation is involuntary and not a removal for misconduct or delinquency.

Disability
Age	Years of Service
Any Age	5

Special Requirements: You must be disabled for useful and efficient service in your current position and any other vacant position at the same grade or pay level within your commuting area and current agency for which you are qualified. The disability must have onset prior to retirement and should be expected to last for at least one year.