Under both CSRS and FERS, Members of Congress are eligible for a pension at the age of 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. Members are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting amount of a member’s retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of his or her final salary.
Members of Congress should receive no more than 50% for 20 years or 75% for 30 years of service, regardless of age at time of retirement. Members retiring before 20 years will not receive any benefits other than those paid into a retirement fund from payroll deductions or contributions.