FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Federal Employee Benefits
Retirement eligibility and requirements for federal employees can vary based on several factors such as the specific federal agency you work for, your employment status (e.g., full-time, part-time), and the retirement system you are enrolled in (e.g., Federal Employees Retirement System – FERS, Civil Service Retirement System – CSRS). FEBA can assist you with making sense of all the details that pertain to your specific circumstances.
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is the retirement program for most federal employees hired on or after January 1, 1984. It consists of three main components:
FERS Basic Benefit (Pension) – A defined benefit based on your years of service and average salary.
Social Security – You pay into and qualify for Social Security benefits, just like private-sector workers.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – A defined contribution plan similar to a 401(k), with matching contributions from your agency.
The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) is an older system for federal employees hired before 1984. CSRS participants typically do not pay into Social Security and rely more heavily on their pension. CSRS provides a larger pension benefit compared to FERS, but lacks TSP matching and Social Security integration.
In summary, FERS is a more modern, three-part system that includes Social Security and TSP, while CSRS is a single, pension-based system with no Social Security component. The shift to FERS reflects changes in federal retirement planning toward a combination of personal savings, government support, and social security benefits.
FEBA webinars cover a wide range of topics designed to help you make informed decisions about your financial future. These include Social Security strategies, retirement planning, tax-efficient income, Medicare basics, estate planning, and more. Each session is presented by experienced professionals and tailored to the needs of pre-retirees and retirees seeking clarity and confidence in their planning journey.
These sessions are ideal for federal employees at any stage of their career—whether you’re just getting started, mid-career, or preparing for retirement. If you want to feel confident and informed about your federal benefits, these webinars are for you.
Each webinar is 60 minutes long, followed by a 30-minute live Q&A session. This gives you the opportunity to get answers to your specific questions in real time.
Yes, all FEBA webinars are completely free to attend. Our mission is to provide federal employees with clear, unbiased, and easy-to-understand guidance about their benefits.
You can view and register for our upcoming webinars on our webinar schedule page. Just click the RSVP button next to the webinar you’re interested in.
Recordings may be available upon request. We encourage you to attend live if possible so you can take advantage of the Q&A session.
Absolutely. We offer complimentary one-on-one consultations via Zoom or phone to dive deeper into your personal benefits situation.
Our webinars are hosted by experienced fiduciaries and Federal Retirement Consultants (FRC℠), such as Justin T. Pierce and James Campbell, who specialize in federal employee benefits education.
No. FEBA is not employed by or affiliated with the Federal Government. We are an independent organization committed to helping federal employees understand and optimize their benefits.
Still have questions after reviewing the FAQ? You’re not alone — every federal employee’s situation is unique. That’s why we offer complimentary one-on-one consultations to provide personalized guidance based on your benefits and retirement goals.