Military deposit estimator for FERS
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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
The FERS military deposit is generally 3% of your military basic pay. The rate is 3.25% for 1999 service and 3.4% for 2000 service. Interest may be added, and the deposit must be paid to your agency before you leave federal service [1][2].
Estimate your military deposit and pension gain
Enter your total military basic pay for each period, not housing, subsistence or special pays.
Rates the estimator uses
| Dates of military service | FERS deposit |
|---|---|
| Through Dec 31, 1998 | 3% of military basic pay |
| Jan 1 – Dec 31, 1999 | 3.25% |
| Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2000 | 3.4% |
| Jan 1, 2001 to present | 3% |
Source: OPM's service credit page [1]. Under OPM's regulation, the deposit is based on basic pay under 37 U.S.C. 207 [2].
How the pension gain is figured
The estimator uses OPM's basic formula: 1% of high-3 per year of service, or 1.1% if you retire at 62 or older with 20 or more years [3]. It multiplies that factor by the military years you'd add. It doesn't include survivor reductions, the MRA+10 age reduction or COLAs.
About interest
Interest may be added depending on when you were hired and when you pay. Under 5 CFR 842.307, interest starts accruing on the second anniversary of your FERS coverage. No interest is charged if the deposit is completed within the first year after that. OPM's example: coverage starting March 1, 1988 means interest begins March 1, 1990, and none is due if the deposit is completed by February 28, 1991. The rate is set by the Treasury each year [2]. This estimator doesn't add interest. Your agency's deposit estimate will show the exact amount owed.
Who should not rely on this estimate
- Military retirees: you generally must waive military retired pay to credit the service, unless an exception applies [4]. See the retired pay waiver guide.
- Anyone with a CSRS component: military service before your FERS transfer uses CSRS rules (7%) [1].
- USERRA service (Guard or Reserve call-ups during federal employment): your agency may base the deposit on military earnings or on the civilian retirement deductions you'd have paid, whichever is less [1].
Next steps
- Get your military basic pay figures from your branch's finance center. HR will tell you the current request process.
- Ask HR or payroll for an official deposit estimate and payment plan.
- Pay in full before you separate [1].
Read the full military buyback guide, or run your whole plan in the FERS Retirement Calculator.
Run the numbers → open the FERS Pension Calculator
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.
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Official sources
- OPM: Service Credit (military deposit rates and rules)
- eCFR: 5 CFR 842.306-842.307 (military service credit and deposits)
- OPM: FERS Computation
- OPM: Military Retired Pay (crediting service and how to waive)
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.