What this estimate can—and cannot—tell you
A military service deposit may let eligible active-duty service count toward a FERS annuity after the deposit is paid in full. This public calculator compares an estimated deposit with a modeled pension difference using your stated assumptions. It is not an agency quote, eligibility decision, or promise of a specific benefit.
- For ordinary FERS scenarios only; not for CSRS, disability retirement or special-category retirement.
- Enter only service before your first FERS coverage date. The estimate does not model installment payments.
- Only your agency can confirm service eligibility and issue the official deposit calculation.
- Simple payback is before tax and does not account for time value of money.
Military buyback questions
Does military buyback count toward the FERS supplement?
No. Bought-back military time can increase the FERS annuity and may count toward service eligibility when the deposit is paid in full, but it is not civilian service. It does not count toward the FERS supplement or the five-year civilian service minimum. The supplement uses civilian FERS years only.
Do I have to waive military retired pay for a buyback?
Usually, if you receive military retired pay for the same service, you must waive it to receive FERS credit. Exceptions include Reserve retired pay and qualifying disability retired pay awarded for a combat-related disability or caused by an instrumentality of war. Send a required waiver to DFAS 60 to 90 days before retirement. Confirm your eligibility with your agency benefits specialist and DFAS. A plan estimate cannot determine your legal entitlement.
What does a FERS military buyback cost?
The deposit is generally 3% of cumulative military basic pay, plus interest after the two-year grace period. Basic pay earned in 1999 uses 3.25%; pay earned in 2000 uses 3.4%. The 1999 and 2000 amounts are parts of—not additions to—the total. Your agency payroll provider calculates the official deposit. Use the military service section for a server estimate; it is not an official quote. ([OPM CSRS/FERS Handbook, Chapter 23](https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/publications-forms/csrsfers-handbook/c023.pdf))
How do I pay a military service deposit?
Request a DD-214 and estimated earnings statement (RI 20-97), then send these with Part A of SF 3108 to your agency HR Benefits Specialist. Your agency payroll provider sends a deposit notification after calculating the amount. Payment may be by payroll deduction, check, or—only for DFAS-serviced payroll, after the notification letter—pay.gov. A partial payment earns no credit; the full deposit must be paid before retirement. See [NFC's post-1956 deposit guide](https://www.nfc.usda.gov/clientServices/Back_Office/benefits/service_deposit.php) and [DFAS Military Service Deposit on pay.gov](https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/60658196).
Can I get a military deposit refunded?
Not while you remain employed. After separation, you may apply for a refund of FERS deductions on SF 3106 at least 31 days later; the refund includes a post-1956 military deposit, and taking it voids annuity rights. At retirement, the deposit may be refunded if you do not waive military retired pay when a waiver is required. Refunds are never automatic—you must apply. ([OPM SF 3106 instructions](https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/sf3106_instructions.pdf); [OPM FERS refund fact sheet](https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/benefits-officers-center/reference-materials/fers-refund-fact-sheet.pdf))