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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" > <channel> <title>FEBRA</title> <atom:link href="https://gofebra.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://gofebra.com</link> <description>Federal benefits, made simple</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:39:41 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2</generator> <image> <url>https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/favicon.png</url> <title>FEBRA</title> <link>https://gofebra.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height></image> <item> <title>The Complete FERS Retirement Benefits Guide</title> <link>https://gofebra.com/the-complete-fers-retirement-benefits-guide/</link> <comments>https://gofebra.com/the-complete-fers-retirement-benefits-guide/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:52:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gofebra.com/?p=4422</guid> <description><![CDATA[Understanding your FERS retirement benefits guide is essential to securing your future. This complete guide explains how the Federal Employees Retirement System works, its benefits, and how you can make the most of them. What is the Federal Employees Retirement System? The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is a three-part retirement package for federal workers […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Understanding your FERS retirement benefits guide is essential to securing your future. This complete guide explains how the Federal Employees Retirement System works, its benefits, and how you can make the most of them.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the Federal Employees Retirement System?</h2> <p>The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is a three-part retirement package for federal workers hired after January 1, 1987. It includes the Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan. These components work together to create a comprehensive retirement income stream. Learn more at the <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/fers-retirement/">FERS Retirement overview</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does the Basic Benefit Plan work?</h2> <p>The Basic Benefit Plan is a defined benefit pension that provides monthly income for life after you retire. It’s calculated based on your years of service and your highest three consecutive years of salary (“high-3” average).</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What role does Social Security play in FERS?</h2> <p>Social Security supplements your Basic Benefit and Thrift Savings Plan. Because FERS employees contribute to Social Security, you can collect benefits when you meet age and work requirements, even if you change careers.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/united-states-postal-service-retirement-plan-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="fers retirement benefits guide" class="wp-image-4388" srcset="https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/united-states-postal-service-retirement-plan-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/united-states-postal-service-retirement-plan-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/united-states-postal-service-retirement-plan-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/united-states-postal-service-retirement-plan-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/united-states-postal-service-retirement-plan-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does the Thrift Savings Plan fit in?</h2> <p>The TSP is your personal investment account within FERS. It offers low-cost fund options, tax advantages, and agency matching contributions. Learn more at the <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/thrift-savings-plan/">Thrift Savings Plan overview</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do you qualify for FERS retirement benefits?</h2> <p>Eligibility depends on your age and years of creditable service. Common scenarios include retiring at your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) with 30 years of service or at age 62 with at least 5 years.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How are FERS benefits calculated?</h2> <p>Your annuity is based on your high-3 salary and a formula that uses a 1% multiplier (or 1.1% if retiring at age 62 with 20+ years). Understanding this formula helps you maximize your lifetime benefits.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can you increase your FERS benefits?</h2> <p>Yes. Working longer, earning a higher salary, and maximizing TSP contributions can significantly boost your retirement income. Explore strategies at <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/retirement/">Retirement planning resources</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What special provisions exist for certain jobs?</h2> <p>Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and air traffic controllers have different retirement rules, often allowing earlier retirement and higher benefit multipliers.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What happens if you leave federal service early?</h2> <p>If you leave before qualifying for immediate retirement, you may be eligible for a deferred retirement or a refund of your contributions. Understanding your options ensures you don’t leave money behind.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where can you get more information on FERS?</h2> <p>You can consult OPM resources, federal benefits advisors, or see <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Employees_Retirement_System" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">this Wikipedia article on FERS</a> for background. For personalized help, visit our <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/about-us/">About Us</a> page.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://gofebra.com/the-complete-fers-retirement-benefits-guide/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How to Use the FERS Retirement Benefit Calculator for Accurate Planning</title> <link>https://gofebra.com/how-to-use-the-fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-for-accurate-planning/</link> <comments>https://gofebra.com/how-to-use-the-fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-for-accurate-planning/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:32:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gofebra.com/?p=4451</guid> <description><![CDATA[Knowing how to use the fers retirement benefit calculator can make your retirement planning more precise. This guide explains how the calculator works, the information you’ll need, and how to interpret the results to make informed decisions. What is the FERS retirement benefit calculator? The fers retirement benefit calculator is an online or agency-provided tool […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Knowing how to use the fers retirement benefit calculator can make your retirement planning more precise. This guide explains how the calculator works, the information you’ll need, and how to interpret the results to make informed decisions.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the FERS retirement benefit calculator?</h2> <p>The fers retirement benefit calculator is an online or agency-provided tool that estimates your pension based on your high-3 salary, years of creditable service, and planned retirement date. Learn more about FERS at the <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/fers-retirement/">FERS Retirement overview</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why is the calculator important?</h2> <p>It helps you project your retirement income so you can coordinate with other sources like Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan, ensuring a smooth transition into retirement.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What inputs do you need?</h2> <p>You’ll need your high-3 average salary, years and months of creditable service, expected retirement date, and any unused sick leave that could increase your service time.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-2-1024x682.jpg" alt="fers retirement benefit calculator" class="wp-image-4452" srcset="https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-2.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does the high-3 average salary impact results?</h2> <p>A higher high-3 average increases your pension payout. If you’re nearing retirement, timing promotions or higher-paying assignments can improve your calculation.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does the formula work?</h2> <p>The standard formula is:<br><strong>High-3 × Years of Service × 1%</strong> (or 1.1% if you retire at 62 with 20+ years of service).</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does age affect the calculation?</h2> <p>Retiring before your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) or without enough service years can result in reduced benefits, so timing is critical.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can you include service credit?</h2> <p>Yes. Buying back eligible service credit — such as military time — increases your years of service in the calculator and boosts your projected pension.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How accurate is the calculator?</h2> <p>It provides an estimate. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will calculate your actual pension when you retire, which may vary based on verified records.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How should you use the results?</h2> <p>Use them to plan your budget, determine whether you need to adjust TSP contributions, or decide if you should work longer. Explore planning help at <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/retirement/">Retirement resources</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to learn more</h2> <p>You can try agency calculators or see the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Employees_Retirement_System" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Wikipedia article on FERS</a> for more background.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://gofebra.com/how-to-use-the-fers-retirement-benefit-calculator-for-accurate-planning/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Understanding TSP Contribution Limits and Catch-Up Rules</title> <link>https://gofebra.com/understanding-tsp-contribution-limits-and-catch-up-rules/</link> <comments>https://gofebra.com/understanding-tsp-contribution-limits-and-catch-up-rules/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:31:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gofebra.com/?p=4416</guid> <description><![CDATA[Knowing the tsp contribution limits 2025 is essential for federal employees and uniformed service members who want to maximize their retirement savings. Understanding these limits — along with catch-up contribution opportunities — helps you plan effectively and make the most of your Thrift Savings Plan. What are the tsp contribution limits 2025? The tsp contribution […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Knowing the tsp contribution limits 2025 is essential for federal employees and uniformed service members who want to maximize their retirement savings. Understanding these limits — along with catch-up contribution opportunities — helps you plan effectively and make the most of your Thrift Savings Plan.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the tsp contribution limits 2025?</h2> <p>The tsp contribution limits 2025 refer to the maximum amount you can contribute to your TSP account during the calendar year. These limits are set annually by the IRS to account for inflation and apply to both Traditional and Roth TSP contributions combined. In 2025, staying updated on these limits ensures you can contribute the maximum allowed and take full advantage of tax benefits. Learn more about the basics at the <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/thrift-savings-plan/">Thrift Savings Plan overview</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why are contribution limits important?</h2> <p>Contribution limits protect the tax-advantaged nature of the TSP and ensure fairness among participants. By contributing the maximum allowed, you increase your account balance faster, benefit from greater compounding, and potentially reduce your taxable income.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the 2025 elective deferral limit?</h2> <p>The elective deferral limit for tsp contribution limits 2025 is the maximum you can personally contribute from your salary. This amount applies to all your TSP accounts, whether Traditional or Roth. Contributing up to this limit each year is one of the most effective ways to boost retirement savings.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Voluntary-Early-Retirement-USPS-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="tsp contribution limits 2025" class="wp-image-4347" srcset="https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Voluntary-Early-Retirement-USPS-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Voluntary-Early-Retirement-USPS-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Voluntary-Early-Retirement-USPS-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Voluntary-Early-Retirement-USPS-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Voluntary-Early-Retirement-USPS-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do catch-up contributions work?</h2> <p>Catch-up contributions allow participants age 50 or older to contribute more than the standard limit. This provision is designed to help those closer to retirement accelerate savings. By using catch-up provisions in tsp contribution limits 2025, older participants can make up for years when they contributed less.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the 2025 catch-up limits?</h2> <p>The catch-up limit is an additional amount on top of the standard contribution limit. For tsp contribution limits 2025, eligible participants can contribute both the regular maximum and the catch-up maximum. This can significantly increase annual contributions, especially when combined with agency matching.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does agency matching affect contribution strategy?</h2> <p>FERS employees receive agency matching up to 5% of pay. This match does not count toward the elective deferral limit but does count toward the total annual additions limit. Taking full advantage of matching contributions is vital for maximizing the benefits of tsp contribution limits 2025. More information on related benefits is available at <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/insurance-and-supplimental-benefits/">Insurance and Supplemental Benefits</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the annual additions limit?</h2> <p>The annual additions limit is the total of all contributions to your TSP account in a year, including your own contributions, agency matching, and any other deposits. This limit is separate from the elective deferral and catch-up limits, but it still plays an important role in tsp contribution limits 2025 planning.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How can you plan contributions for the entire year?</h2> <p>A good approach is to calculate how much you need to contribute each pay period to hit the tsp contribution limits 2025 without going over. This ensures steady growth and prevents missing out on employer match opportunities if you max out too early in the year.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What mistakes should you avoid with contribution limits?</h2> <p>Common mistakes include confusing elective deferral limits with the annual additions limit, forgetting about catch-up eligibility, or failing to adjust contributions when limits increase. Avoiding these errors helps you make the most of tsp contribution limits 2025.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where can you get more guidance on TSP limits?</h2> <p>You can find additional details on tsp contribution limits 2025 in official IRS and TSP resources. For personalized help, work with an advisor who understands federal benefits. Learn about our services at the <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/about-us/">About Us</a> page or see <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrift_Savings_Plan" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Wikipedia’s Thrift Savings Plan article</a> for background information.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://gofebra.com/understanding-tsp-contribution-limits-and-catch-up-rules/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>FERS vs CSRS differences Explained</title> <link>https://gofebra.com/fers-vs-csrs-differences-explained/</link> <comments>https://gofebra.com/fers-vs-csrs-differences-explained/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:47:57 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gofebra.com/?p=4441</guid> <description><![CDATA[Understanding the fers vs csrs differences is essential for federal employees making retirement decisions. While both are federal retirement systems, they have distinct structures, benefits, and eligibility rules. This guide takes a detailed look at how each system works, how they compare, and what they mean for your long-term financial security. What is the FERS […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Understanding the <strong>fers vs csrs differences</strong> is essential for federal employees making retirement decisions. While both are federal retirement systems, they have distinct structures, benefits, and eligibility rules. This guide takes a detailed look at how each system works, how they compare, and what they mean for your long-term financial security.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the FERS system?</h2> <p>The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) was introduced in 1987 to replace CSRS for new hires. It is a three-tier system combining:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Basic Benefit Plan</strong>: A pension based on your salary and years of service.</li> <li><strong>Social Security</strong>: Paid in addition to your FERS pension, providing extra retirement income and portability if you leave federal service.</li> <li><strong>Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)</strong>: A personal investment account with agency contributions and potential matching up to 5% of your basic pay.</li></ul> <p>This structure offers diversification, blending a guaranteed income with personal savings growth. You can explore details at the <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/fers-retirement/">FERS Retirement overview</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the CSRS system?</h2> <p>The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), established in 1920, is a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Unlike FERS, CSRS does not include Social Security coverage for most employees. Instead, it offers a larger pension that often replaces the need for Social Security income in retirement. CSRS participants generally contribute more from their salaries toward their pensions, and the payout formula is more generous than FERS.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do pension formulas differ?</h2> <p>The <strong>fers vs csrs differences</strong> are stark in the pension formula:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>FERS Formula</strong>: High-3 salary × years of service × 1% (or 1.1% if retiring at 62 with 20+ years).</li> <li><strong>CSRS Formula</strong>: High-3 salary × a percentage that increases with each year of service, often reaching around 56–80% of salary after 30–40 years.</li></ul> <p>This means CSRS retirees often receive a much larger pension percentage of their working salary than FERS retirees.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do Social Security benefits factor in?</h2> <p>FERS employees pay into Social Security and receive those benefits at retirement, adding an extra income stream. CSRS employees generally do not pay into Social Security (unless they have other qualifying employment), so they may not qualify for benefits — or may receive reduced benefits due to the <strong>Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)</strong>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the differences in employee contributions?</h2> <p>FERS employees typically contribute a smaller portion of their salary toward the Basic Benefit Plan (around 0.8% for most), plus 6.2% for Social Security. CSRS employees contribute about 7–7.5% toward their pension and do not pay Social Security taxes, meaning more of their retirement funding is in the pension itself.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-vs-csrs-differences-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="fers vs csrs differences" class="wp-image-4443" srcset="https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-vs-csrs-differences-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-vs-csrs-differences-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-vs-csrs-differences-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-vs-csrs-differences-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://gofebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fers-vs-csrs-differences-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do retirement eligibility rules differ?</h2> <p>Both systems consider age and years of service, but eligibility varies:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>FERS</strong>: Can retire at Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) with 30 years, age 60 with 20 years, or age 62 with 5 years. Early retirement is possible under special provisions.</li> <li><strong>CSRS</strong>: Typically allows retirement at age 55 with 30 years, age 60 with 20 years, or age 62 with 5 years, often with higher pension payouts for the same service.</li></ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do cost-of-living adjustments differ?</h2> <p>In the <strong>fers vs csrs differences</strong>, COLAs are a key point:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>FERS</strong>: COLAs are applied only after age 62 (with some exceptions) and may be reduced if inflation exceeds 2%.</li> <li><strong>CSRS</strong>: COLAs match inflation more closely and start immediately upon retirement, providing better inflation protection.</li></ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which system offers more flexibility?</h2> <p>FERS offers greater flexibility because of the TSP and Social Security portability. If you leave federal service, you can take your TSP with you and still collect Social Security later. CSRS is more pension-focused and less portable, meaning its full benefits are most valuable if you complete a full federal career.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can employees switch between systems?</h2> <p>Employees hired before 1984 under CSRS were given the option to switch to FERS during open enrollment windows in the late 1980s. Today, switching is generally not possible, so your system is determined by your initial hire date and employment history.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to learn more</h2> <p>To explore the <strong>fers vs csrs differences</strong> in depth, you can read the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Service_Retirement_System" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Wikipedia article on the Civil Service Retirement System</a> or visit our <a class="" href="https://gofebra.com/csrs-information/">CSRS Information</a> page for resources tailored to your situation.</p> <p></p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://gofebra.com/fers-vs-csrs-differences-explained/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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