Federal employees under FERS pay into Social Security throughout their careers and can start collecting as early as age 62. The benefit amount is based on career earnings, and claiming at 62 results in a smaller monthly check for life compared to waiting until full retirement age or as late as 70. Social Security works alongside a FERS pension and TSP rather than on its own.
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One of the questions we hear a lot from federal employees is whether Social Security even applies to them. If you're under FERS, the answer is yes, it absolutely does.
Under FERS, you paid into Social Security and can start collecting it at age 62. How much you get depends on what you earn during your career and when you decide to start taking it. Taking it at 62 means a smaller monthly check for life. Waiting until your full retirement age, or even up to age 70, means a larger one.
The right timing depends on your overall plan, your health, and what other income you'll have coming in. In some cases, taking it earlier can net more money long term. Because Social Security works alongside your pension and your TSP, it's worth thinking through carefully rather than just defaulting to the earliest option available.
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