What is the FERS Supplement and how much will I get?
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By the FERS Made Easy editorial team · Last reviewed Oct 2026
Short answer: The FERS Supplement (officially the "annuity supplement") is a monthly payment from OPM that bridges the gap until Social Security at 62. It approximates the Social Security you earned as a FERS employee: estimated Social Security at 62 × FERS civilian years ÷ 40. You get it only with an immediate, unreduced retirement before 62. It stops at 62 and is cut if you earn more than $25,560 (2027).
The formula
Under 5 CFR 842.504, the supplement equals the Social Security benefit you would get at 62, computed by OPM, multiplied by your FERS civilian service in years (rounded to the nearest whole year, maximum 40) divided by 40. OPM builds the estimate from your federal earnings, using deemed wages for years before your FERS service (OPM Handbook ch. 51). Your SSA statement is only a rough stand-in.
Worked examples
| SS estimate at 62 | FERS years | Math | Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,800/mo | 30 | 1,800 × 30/40 | $1,350/mo ($16,200/yr) |
| $2,000/mo | 25.6 → rounds to 26 | 2,000 × 26/40 | $1,300/mo |
| $1,600/mo | 20 (retiring at 60+20) | 1,600 × 20/40 | $800/mo |
Earnings test example
A retiree with a $1,350/month supplement earns $35,560 from a new job in 2027. That is $10,000 over the $25,560 limit, so the supplement drops by $5,000 for the year ($1 per $2), to about $933/month.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Special-provision retirees (LEO, firefighters, ATC) are exempt from the earnings test until their MRA. [Per OPM guidance; confirm with OPM.]
- Early-out (VERA/discontinued service) retirees start receiving the supplement at their MRA, not at separation.
- No supplement for MRA+10, deferred, or disability retirees.
- Military service is excluded, even if bought back.
- The supplement ends at the end of the month you turn 62, whether or not you claim Social Security. [Timing detail: confirm with OPM.]
Common mistakes
- Using your full Social Security estimate (all jobs) instead of the FERS-only share.
- Forgetting the earnings test when planning a second career.
- Expecting a COLA on the supplement.
- Taking MRA+10 and expecting a supplement.
What to do next
- Run the FERS Supplement calculator with your own numbers. It takes about a minute.
- Ask your agency HR/benefits office for a retirement estimate and your official service computation date.
- Check your Social Security estimate at ssa.gov/myaccount.
- Want a second opinion? with a licensed financial professional who works with federal employees. It's optional and free.
Frequently asked questions
Who gets the FERS Supplement?
Retirees who leave on an immediate, unreduced annuity before 62: MRA+30, 60+20, early outs (from the MRA), and special-provision retirees. MRA+10 and deferred retirees do not get it.
How is it calculated?
Your estimated Social Security benefit at 62 × your FERS civilian years (rounded to the nearest whole year, max 40) ÷ 40. OPM computes the "estimated benefit" from your FERS earnings record, not your SSA statement (5 CFR 842.504).
Does working after retirement reduce it?
Yes. Above the Social Security earnings limit ($25,560 for 2027), the supplement drops $1 for every $2 you earn. Only earned income counts, not your pension or TSP. OPM sends an annual earnings survey.
Does the supplement get a COLA?
No. Regular FERS retirees under 62 don't receive COLAs, and the supplement ends at 62.
Does military service count?
No. The supplement counts FERS civilian service only, excluding military service (5 CFR 842.504).
Is the supplement safe from Congress?
Proposals to eliminate it were dropped from the 2025 budget law (P.L. 119-21) and it remains current law as of October 2026. Check Updates for changes.