There are four ways to receive the FERS Basic Benefit:
Immediate — an immediate pension begins within 30 days after termination from employment if the employee is age 62 with 5 years of service, 60 with 20 years of service, MRA with 30 years or MRA with 10 years of service. If the employee retires with at least 10 but less than 30 years of service, the benefit reduces by 5% for each year under age 62 (unless the person is 60 with 20 years of service). The minimum retirement age (MRA) for each participant depends on the year the person was born.
Early — Any age with 25 years of service or age 50 with 20 years of service.
Deferred — A person who leaves federal employment before becoming eligible for an immediate pension is eligible for a deferred pension if the person is age 62 with five years of service, or has an MRA with 30 years or MRA with 10 years of service. For a person with at least 10 years of service but less than 30 years, the benefit reduces by 5% for each year under age 62 (unless the person is age 60 with 20 years of service).
Disability — Eligibility for a disability pension occurs at any age with 18 months of service provided that the person became disabled due to injury or disease while working in a position covered by FERS and is unable to provide "useful and efficient service in the position". The agency must also certify that it has considered the person for "any current position in the agency at the same pay grade/level, within the same commuting area" for which the person may be suitable "for reassignment".