Retirement Benefits

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As governmental plans, CSRS and FERS are not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which governs many aspects of employer-sponsored retirement plans in the private sector and establishes certain rights for former spouses following a divorce.

Instead, retirement benefits for federal employees are governed by chapters 83 (CSRS) and 84 (FERS) of Title 5 of the United States Code. These chapters establish rights of the former spouse of a current or former federal employee that are similar in many respects to those established by ERISA for private-sector plans.

However, there are important differences. For example, while both ERISA and Title 5 allow a pension to be divided between the parties to a divorce, the laws differ with respect to when pension payments to the former spouse can begin.

Under ERISA, a court can require a plan to begin paying benefits to the former spouse when the plan participant has reached the earliest retirement age under the plan, regardless of whether the participant has yet retired. In contrast, even if a state court decree of divorce or annulment has awarded a share of a federal employee’s retirement annuity to a former spouse, Title 5 prohibits payment of any part of a CSRS or FERS annuity to a former spouse until the employee has separated from federal service, is eligible to receive a CSRS or FERS annuity, and has applied for an annuity.

Another difference between ERISA and Title 5 is in the designation of beneficiaries in defined contribution plans. ERISA requires a married participant in a defined contribution plan to secure the written consent of his or her spouse in order to name anyone other than the spouse as the plan beneficiary in the event of the participant’s death. In contrast, federal regulations allow a participant in the Thrift Savings Plan for federal employees to name anyone as the plan beneficiary in the event of the participant’s death “without the knowledge or consent of any person, including his or her spouse.”

In depth: What Happens to Your Federal Employee Benefits in Divorce?

Benefits Upon Passing of a Federal Employee or Retiree

Retirement Income Myths

Guidance Issued on Marijuana and Federal Employee Security Clearances

The Federal Retirement Deal (It’s a Very Good One!)

TSP Outlines Strings Attached to Upcoming Investment ‘Window’

Leaving Federal Service? Go Out With Class

When Should a Federal Employee Apply for Social Security Benefits?

Federal Retirement Mistakes to Avoid

Federal Retirement: When Age Isn’t Just a Number

FERS & CSRS: What Happens to Your Annuity if You Come Back?

2022 GS Locality Pay Tables here

FERS Retirement Guide 2022