Should I buy back my military service for FERS?
Get Your Free Consultation
Talk one-on-one with a licensed financial professional who specializes in federal benefits. Completely free, no obligation.
By the FERS Made Easy editorial team · Last reviewed Oct 2026
Paying a deposit (usually 3% of military basic pay plus interest) lets post-1956 military service count toward your FERS pension and eligibility. It must be paid in full before you retire, and it often pays for itself within a few years.