BEHIND THE NUMBERS
How this calculation works
Worked example
FERS retirement at 62 with 20 years uses 1.1% × 20 × $100,000 = $22,000 annually, or $1,833.33 monthly.
Example result: US$1,833.33
What belongs in the pay average?
Use monthly basic pay to which the member was entitled. Housing and subsistence allowances, bonuses and special pay do not belong in this High-36 base. The statutory selection uses the highest 36 months whether or not consecutive, so three approximate annual salaries can miss a midyear pay change.
Why plan and service matter
Both supported systems use a High-36 pay base, but the pension percentage earned per service year differs. BRS also has savings and continuation-pay features that are outside this pension calculation. The service input should be the credited service used for the retirement multiplier, not simply time since enlistment.
Assumptions and rounding
- Monthly gross result rounded to cents; the annual equivalent is twelve times that monthly figure.
- The supplied history contains the complete relevant pay entitlement, not allowances.
Questions about this calculator
Does this include civilian FERS?
Yes, with a consecutive 36-month salary history, ordinary or qualifying special service, age checks and survivor elections.
Can reserve service be entered?
Yes. Reserve points are converted to service years by dividing by 360.