PENSION FLIGHT PLANNING
The plan document outranks the rumor.
Pensions can be extraordinarily valuable—and extraordinarily specific. Collect the actual rules before projecting retirement.
Pension career paths
Retire from service with the full plan visible.
Service credits, DROP options, overtime treatment, survivor elections, disability provisions, and retiree health coverage.
Open pension system →TEACHERS & SCHOOL EMPLOYEESTurn service credit into a retirement date.
State pension formula, vesting, service purchase, 403(b)/457 access, retiree health, and Social Security coverage.
Open pension system →FEDERAL EMPLOYEESCoordinate FERS, TSP, and Social Security.
FERS or CSRS pension, TSP, Social Security, survivor benefits, and continuation of eligible health coverage.
Open pension system →STATE & LOCAL EMPLOYEESVerify the promise before changing jobs.
Defined-benefit formula, employee contributions, COLAs, vesting, reciprocity, and Social Security participation.
Open pension system →MILITARYStack every earned benefit deliberately.
Legacy or Blended Retirement System, TSP, continuation pay, VA benefits, survivor coverage, and healthcare.
Open pension system →COLLECT BEFORE CALCULATING
Your pension data checklist.
Benefit formula and service credits
Vesting and earliest retirement age
COLA provisions
Survivor-option reductions
Health coverage and premiums
Social Security participation
Lump sum versus annuity choices
Official benefit estimate