FERS for veterans
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By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated
FERS for Veterans: Hub · Military buyback · Retired pay waiver · VA disability + FERS · Supplement & MRA timing · Deposit estimator
If you served in the military and now work under FERS, three decisions can change your federal pension for life. First, pay the military deposit before you leave federal service [1]. Second, if you're a military retiree, decide whether to waive military retired pay [2]. Third, time your retirement knowing the FERS supplement counts civilian years only [3].
Start here
Should I buy back my military time?
The deposit rules, deadline and a worked break-even example.
Military deposit estimator
Enter your military basic pay to estimate the deposit and the pension it adds.
Military retired pay vs. FERS credit
The waiver rule, its two exceptions, how to waive and the keep-or-waive math.
VA disability compensation and your FERS pension
Why VA compensation isn't retired pay, and how it fits with FERS disability retirement.
FERS supplement and MRA timing for veterans
Which retirements count military years, and why the supplement doesn't.
Five facts every veteran fed should know
- Post-1956 military service counts toward FERS only if you pay a deposit, generally 3% of military basic pay [1].
- The deposit must be paid to your employing agency before you separate. You can't pay it after you retire [1].
- If you get military retired pay, you generally must waive it to credit that service, except for certain combat- or war-related disability retired pay and Reserve retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10 [2].
- VA disability compensation is a tax-free VA benefit [4], and the Defense Department's pay rules say it is not retired pay [5].
- The FERS supplement is computed from civilian FERS service only [3].
Gather these first
- All DD-214s (dates of active duty)
- Military basic pay earnings from your branch's finance center
- Any military retired pay statement and VA award letter
- Your agency's military deposit estimate
Then try the FERS Pension Calculator with and without your military years.
Run the numbers → open the FERS Pension Calculator
Planning your retirement paycheck?
See what income you can use in retirement (pension, supplement, TSP and Social Security together) and what the 2026 Trustees Report means for FERS retirees.
Free 20-minute review for veteran feds
Served in the military and now under FERS? Book a free 20-minute phone call with a licensed financial professional who works with federal benefits. Bring your DD-214 dates, your deposit estimate (if you have one) and any retired pay or VA award letters. You'll leave knowing which questions to put to HR, DFAS or VA. No cost and no obligation.
Education only. Not affiliated with OPM, VA, DoD or any government agency.
Free 20-minute Open Season review
FEHB Open Season runs Nov 9 to Dec 14, 2026. If you're retiring within 5 years, book a free 20-minute phone call with a licensed financial professional. You can talk through your FEHB choice and how it carries into retirement. No cost and no obligation.
Education only. Not affiliated with OPM or any government agency.
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Official sources
- OPM: Service Credit (military deposit rates and rules)
- OPM: Military Retired Pay (crediting service and how to waive)
- OPM: Types of Retirement (eligibility, MRA, disability, FERS supplement)
- VA: Disability compensation
- DoD Financial Management Regulation Vol. 7B, Ch. 12 (waiver of retired pay for VA compensation)
Checked against the official sources above on November 2, 2026. Education only, not legal or financial advice. Not affiliated with OPM, VA, DoD or any government agency.