Summary from Introduction: "This publication is intended to provide information for making informed decisions regarding your federal retirement. As federal employee, you have the benefit of a defined contribution plan. In addition, some of you have coverage of Social Security while employed with the federal government and others have earned Social Security outside of their federal position. All federal employees are eligible to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plans, although it is considered a component for FERS employees. These topics and more will be covered in this publication. However, not all scenarios will be discussed. You should attend retirement seminars and seek advice from your Human Resources staff to get answers to your specific questions. Retirement and benefits information changes from time to time. Our publication is updated on an annual basis to keep you up-to-date with the most current rules and regulations. In this publication, we will cover the Civil Service Retirement System, which includes CSRS Offsets, and the Federal Employees Retirement Systems. When the information pertains to only one system, it will be identified as either CSRS or FERS. Otherwise, what is written covers both retirement options."--Elaine Lumsden