OPM.gov / Retirement / CSRS Information / Eligibility

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# Eligibility

There are five categories of benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Eligibility is based on your age and the number of years of creditable service and any other special requirements. In addition, you must have served in a position subject to CSRS coverage for one of the last two years before your retirement. If you meet one of the following sets of requirements, you may be eligible for an immediate retirement benefit. An immediate annuity is one that begins within 30 days after your separation.

## Optional

If you leave Federal service before you meet the age and service requirements for an immediate retirement benefit, you may be eligible for deferred retirement benefits. To be eligible, you must have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service and be age 62.

## Special/Early Optional

**Special/Early Optional Requirements:**Your agency must be undergoing a major reorganization, reduction-in-force, or transfer of function determined by the Office of Personnel Management. Your annuity is reduced if you are under age 55.

## Special Provision Retirement

**Special Requirements:**You must retire under special provisions for air traffic controllers or law enforcement and firefighter personnel, nuclear materials courier, Supreme Court Police and Capitol Police.

* ONLY air traffic controllers can retire at any age with 25 years of service as an air traffic controller.

## Discontinued Service

**Special Requirements**: Your separation is involuntary and not a removal for misconduct or delinquency.

## Disability

**Special Requirements**: You must be disabled for useful and efficient service in your current position and any other vacant position at the same grade or pay level within your commuting area and current agency for which you are qualified. You must have been disabled prior to retirement and the disability should be expected to last for more than one year.

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