FERS Supplement: Who Gets It & How Much (2026)

If you are retiring from federal service before age 62, you may be eligible for a temporary monthly payment called the FERS Supplement. It is designed to bridge the income gap until you become eligible for Social Security.
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This guide explains who qualifies, how to estimate the amount, and the two main rules that can reduce or end the payment.
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What Is the FERS Supplement?
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The FERS Supplement, officially known as the Special Retirement Supplement, is a temporary monthly payment from your FERS retirement. It is not Social Security and not a permanent pension increase.
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It is designed to bridge the gap between your retirement date and age 62, when you first become eligible for Social Security benefits.
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Who Qualifies for the FERS Supplement?
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You generally qualify if you retire with an immediate, unreduced annuity before age 62. This includes retiring at your Minimum Retirement Age with 30 years of service, or at age 60 with 20 years of service.

• MRA + 30 years of service
• Age 60 + 20 years of service
• Special provisions, such as law enforcement officers (LEOs), firefighters, and air traffic controllers (ATCs)
• Early-out or involuntary retirement, subject to applicable eligibility rules

Who Does Not Get the FERS Supplement?
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The supplement is not paid to all FERS retirees. If you retire under MRA + 10, receive a deferred retirement, or retire under disability retirement, you generally do not receive the FERS Supplement.
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How Much Is the FERS Supplement?
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The estimate is based on your Social Security benefit at age 62. Divide that amount by 40, then multiply by your years of FERS civilian service.
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Hypothetical Example
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If your estimated Social Security benefit at age 62 is $1,800 per month and you have 30 years of FERS service:

$1,800 ÷ 40 × 30 = $1,350 per month

In this hypothetical example, the estimated FERS Supplement would be approximately $1,350 per month.
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What Are the Two Main Catches?
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First, only FERS civilian service counts toward the calculation. Military buyback credit does not count toward the supplement calculation, and unused sick leave generally is not included.
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Second, there is an earnings test. After your Minimum Retirement Age, if your wages exceed the Social Security annual exempt amount, your supplement may be reduced. In 2026, the limit is $24,480. Generally, for every $2 you earn above that limit, your supplement may be reduced by about $1.

Key points:

• Military buyback credit does not count toward the supplement calculation.
• Unused sick leave generally is not included.
• 2026 earnings limit: $24,480.
• Pension payments and TSP withdrawals generally do not count as earnings for this test.

When Does the FERS Supplement End?
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The FERS Supplement stops at age 62, even if you choose to wait to claim Social Security. If you delay claiming Social Security to receive a higher benefit, you may have an income gap to plan for.

The payment does not continue past age 62, so it is important to understand how your retirement income may change when the supplement ends.
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What's Your Number?
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Use our free FERS Supplement Calculator to estimate your potential benefit:

Free and no obligation.
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Sources

• OPM: https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/fers-information/types-of-retirement/
• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/rtea.html
• Federal Pension Advisors FERS Supplement Calculator: https://www.federalpensionadvisors.com/fers-supplement-calculator

Educational content only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or any government agency. Not financial, tax, or legal advice. Rules and limits can change; verify current eligibility requirements, earnings limits, and benefit calculations with OPM and the Social Security Administration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the FERS Supplement the Same as Social Security?
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No. The FERS Supplement is a temporary payment associated with your FERS retirement and generally ends at age 62. Social Security is a separate benefit that you may claim starting at age 62, subject to Social Security eligibility rules.
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Does Military Service Count Toward the FERS Supplement?
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Military service generally does not count toward the supplement calculation simply because you received military service credit through a deposit or buyback. The supplement calculation is based on your FERS civilian service.

Unused sick leave generally is not included in the supplement calculation.
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Can I Keep Working and Still Get the FERS Supplement?
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You may earn wages while receiving the supplement, but an earnings test can apply. In 2026, if your earnings exceed $24,480 after reaching your MRA, your supplement may be reduced by $1 for every $2 above the applicable limit.
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Does the FERS Supplement Get a COLA?
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The FERS Supplement does not receive the same cost-of-living adjustment treatment as the basic FERS annuity.

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Disclaimer

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This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, or retirement advice. FERS Supplement eligibility, benefit calculations, earnings limits, and other federal retirement rules may change or vary based on your individual circumstances. Verify your eligibility and benefit amount with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) before making retirement decisions.