Members of Congress become vested in (legally entitled to) a pension benefit under CSRS or FERS after five years of service. The age and service requirements for retirement eligibility are determined by the plan under which a Member is covered at the time of retirement, regardless of whether he or she has previous service covered under a different plan.
Depending on a Member’s age and years of service, a pension can be taken immediately upon retirement or only on a deferred basis. Likewise, the Member’s age and years of service, as well as the starting date of the annuity, will determine whether he or she is eligible for a full pension or a reduced pension.
I believe members of Congress should be more realistic in the terms required to be eligible for retirement.