1. What is OPM Retirement Service Calculation?

The OPM (Office of Personnel Management) retirement service calculation determines the total length of creditable service for federal employees. This calculation is crucial for determining retirement eligibility and calculating pension benefits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard OPM formula:

Where:

• Years — Full years of federal service
• Months — Additional months beyond full years (0-11)
• Days — Additional days beyond full months (0-30)

Explanation: The calculation converts all service time into years for consistent measurement. OPM typically uses 360 days per year for these calculations.

3. Importance of Accurate Service Calculation

Details: Accurate service calculation is essential for determining retirement eligibility (minimum 5 years for FERS, 10 for CSRS), calculating pension benefits, and determining the correct retirement formula to apply.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total years of federal service, plus any additional months and days. The calculator will convert everything to years for OPM retirement purposes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as creditable service?
A: Most federal employment, military service (with deposit), and certain other government service may count. Check with HR for specifics.

Q2: How precise does the calculation need to be?
A: Very precise - even a day can affect retirement dates and benefit calculations under some circumstances.

Q3: Does part-time service count differently?
A: Yes, part-time service is prorated based on a full-time schedule.

Q4: What if I have breaks in service?
A: Breaks don't affect the total unless you withdrew retirement contributions. Service is cumulative.

Q5: Where can I verify my service computation date?
A: Your SF-50s and retirement application will show your official service computation date.