CSRS and FERS
Benefits Calculator
and
Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer
Software Manual
Decision Support Software LLC
P.O. Box 2368
Granite Bay, CA 95746
http://FedRetireSoftware.com
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Table of Contents
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Program:
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Installation,
Activation, and
Deactivation (License Transfer Procedure)
Getting Started
Retirement Annuity (Retirement Benefit Calculations and Projections)
 Retirement Eligibility
 Creditable Service
 High 3 Average
 Military Service
 Deposit
 Redeposit
 Annuity Calculation
 FERS Supplement - Social Security
 CSRS Offset - Social Security
 WEP Calculation
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Contributions

Growth

Withdrawal
Insurance
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Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
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Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)
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Long Term Care Insurance (LTC)
Retirement Affordability Analyzer
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Income Analysis – From Other Sources
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Federal Income and Inflation Analysis
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Expense Analysis – From Other Sources
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Income and Expense Analysis
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Income Analysis – From Government Sources Only
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Expense Analysis – From Government Sources Only
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Income and Expense Analysis - From Government Sources
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Income and Expense Analysis - From Other Sources

Income and Expense Analysis - From All Sources
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Fix Problems
Printing Reports
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Create custom report
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Print the Federal Employee Benefits Analysis report
Import Personal Data from an earlier program
Professional Features
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Data Files
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Client Data File Operations
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Place Client Data in a Client Folder
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Retrieve Client Data from a Client Folder

Delete a Client Folder

List Client Folders in a Spreadsheet

Send Client Folders to Another Office – New 2011

Receive Client Folder from Another Office – New 2011

Remove Client Data from All Forms

View Sample Client Data

Import Client Folders from Previous Versions of the Software
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Customizing Report Cover and Disclaimer Pages
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Data Collection Form

View Advisor Information
License
Disclaimer and Limitations of Liability
Support
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Program Installation, Activation, and Deactivation
Installation
Note: The program initially runs as the FREE Personal edition. It must be activated (see below) to convert it to
the FREE Personal PLUS edition or Professional edition. However, activation is not required to continue to run
the FREE Personal edition.
1. To download the FREE Personal edition of the CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement
Income/Expense Analyzer program, click here.
2. Next click on the OPEN/RUN button on the File Download message, and
3. Then, follow the directions on the screen as they are presented to install the program.
Activation
When the program is first installed, it runs in the Free Personal edition. An activation code is not needed to
run the FREE Personal edition. However, to convert the FREE edition to the FREE Personal PLUS edition or the
Professional edition, you must request a FREE Personal PLUS or Professional activation code using the
procedure provided here: http://fedretiresoftware.com/Order12/Activate.htm.
Deactivation - License Transfer Procedure
The software license is for a single user on a single computer. Please, see the License message under the
Legal menu in the Benefits Calculator program.
If you would like to deactivate the program license on a computer and move it to a different computer, please
send an message to Decision Support Software LLC - and ask for the procedure to do this.
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Getting Started
with the
CSRS and FERS
Benefits Calculator
and
Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer
Welcome to the CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer
software program. You will find that it is the most powerful federal retirement benefits program
available. By using it, you will enter your personal data, analyze your retirement benefits, and
plan for an affordable retirement in just a few short hours. This is just the beginning. As you
study the reports and become more aware of the details of each of the retirement benefits
elements, you will change existing data and view the results to determine the impact on your
retirement plan. You will print reports that will provide detailed charts and graphs that reveal the
details of initial and yearly changes to your benefits during your working and retirement years.
When you change your data, new reports can be printed and you can compare the results with
previous reports.
You will quickly master the program by following the steps in this, "Getting Started," section. In
addition by following the steps here, you will avoid problems encountered when data is not
entered in the proper order.
Getting Help
1. This full help manual can be found:
a. In the Benefits Calculator program - click on HELP ==> Software Manual, or
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b. Click Windows Start Button ==> Programs ==> Federal Retirement 2011.
2. Instant help is available on any form. When you need help, select 'Form Help' on the menu
while working on a form.
3. Installation or Activation Problems: http://www.FedRetireSoftware.com/FAQ.htm,
4. Email Support: http://csrs-fers.com/ContactUs/supportform.html
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Procedure to Enter your Personal Data
Data entered in the CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer
must be input in the sequence shown on this page and next. This is required as some
forms get data from other forms, and failure to follow this sequence will result in data input and
reporting errors.
Print this page and next and follow the sequence.
1. Gather and enter your personal data on the Federal Benefits Data Collection Form. A blank
data collection form can be found here: http://csrs-fers.com/FBDCF/FBDCF.pdf.
CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator
2. Enter Retirement Annuity Data:
3. Enter Thrift Savings Plan Data:
A. Contributions ___
B. Growth ___
C. Withdrawal ___
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4. Enter Insurance Data:
Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer
5. Enter Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer Data:
Reports Generator
6. Reports: After you have entered all your data in the sequence listed in steps 2 through 5, you
are ready to view the report pages.
After you enter all your data and you want to make a change (for example change the retirement
date entered in Step 2.A.), then you must revisit each form below the form where the change was
made (for example, if the retirement date was changed on form 2. A., Retirement Eligibility, then
all forms below 2.A. must be revisited) so that the impact of the change is calculated on all
following, dependent forms.
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Sample Data Collection Form
The following four pages contain sample data that will be used in the remainder of this manual. A
blank data collection form can be found here: http://csrs-fers.com/FBDCF/FBDCF.pdf.
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Enter Your Data
For the Professional user, we have included sample benefits data so that you can view the various forms and
print the report pages that you may be interested in. You can get the sample data by selecting "View Sample
Data" from the "Professional" menu item. We suggest that you do this first and then read the help pages for
each form.
Professional edition only
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For the Professional user, when you are ready to enter your first client's data, you must go to the
"Professional" menu and select "Remove Client Data from All Forms ." This will clean all sample data from all
the forms.
Professional edition Only
If you do not do this, you will mix your first client's data with the sample data, and you will get erroneous results.
Professional users must do this each time you begin to enter new client information. If this is not done,
you will mix the previous client's data with the current client.
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Benefits Calculator
The Benefits Calculator section of the software contains three major sections: Annuity, Thrift Savings Plan,
and Insurance
The Annuity menu lists ten input forms in the order they must be worked (A. Retirement Eligibility is the first
form to be filled in).
CSRS must fill in Annuity forms:
A. Retirement Eligibility,
B. Creditable Service,
C. High 3 Average, and
D. Annuity Calculation.
FERS must fill in Annuity forms:
A. Retirement Eligibility,
B. Creditable Service,
C. High 3 Average,
D. Annuity Calculation and
E. Social Security - FERS Supplement.
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A. On the Annuity==> Retirement Eligibility form, the following must be entered:
Retirement System (CSRS, FERS or xFERS (transfer from CSRS to FERS),
Employee Type (Regular or Other: Firefighter, Law Enforcement or Air Traffic Controller),
Retirement Type: Regular, Optional (early retirement) or Mandatory,
Birth Date,
Retirement - Service Computation Data (SCD), and
Retirement Date (automatically calculated by clicking on "Earliest Retirement Date" button.
This data is used on other forms. Personal FREE and FREE Personal PLUS users will be allowed to enter a
birth date only once. Make sure it is correct as it cannot be changed.
Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility Form
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B. Annuity ==> Creditable Service Sick leave is entered on this form. Optionally, civilian and military leave
can be entered on this form for you convenience to store service information for record keeping purposes,
however only sick leave is needed on other forms.
Military service time and civilian service time (through today) are added together and then subtracted from
today's date to estimate the Service Computation Date. This is only a ball-park estimate.
Annuity ==> Creditable Service Form
Sick leave for CSRS and FERS is entered on this form.
For FERS Employees:
Creditable service is increased by 50% of the sick leave hours saved at retirement through 2013, and
Creditable service is increased by 100% of the sick leave hours saved at retirement starting 2014.
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C. On the High 3 Average form fill in your average your Current Annual Salary and your estimated January
percent increase in pay (usually cost of living increase, but you should consider: step increases and
promotions). Then, click on the Calculate button. Your average high 3 at retirement will be displayed in two
places: (1) in the green box labeled High 3 Average, and (2) the top line of the spreadsheet (it also displays your
retirement date).
Annuity ==> High 3 Average Form
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The Annual Salary and the % Increase in January are sent to the TSP ==> Contributions Form
TSP ==> Contributions Form
and to the Insurance ==> FEGLI form.
Insurance ==> FEGLI Form
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If you are retiring in this calendar year and you have at least three years of salary data (pay increases
and dates of increases), then you should enter the historical data in the New Salary and Change Dates
windows provided on the form." This will give you a more accurate projection of your High 3 Average.
First: Enter your Current Annual Salary and Percent Increase (this data is used on the TSP and FEGLI
forms), then click on the RED calculate button.
Second: Enter salary history (New Salary and Change Dates) in the area shown. Then, click on the Calculate
button at the bottom of the form.
Annuity ==> High 3 Average Form
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D. Select Annuity Calculation from the Annuity menu.
•
The high 3 average will be displayed from the Annuity ==> High 3 Average form.
•
Your years of service and age at retirement will be displayed from the Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility
form.
•
Your projected sick leave will be displayed from the Annuity ==> Creditable Service form.
The top line (highlighted in read) of the spreadsheet at the bottom of the form contains your retirement annuity
information. Each line below contains delayed retirement annuity information so that you can see what the
benefit would be to delay your retirement one or more years (or one or more months).
There are two boxes at the top of the form that require additional information that was not entered on any of the
other forms: (1) Estimated High 3 Increase / Year - enter your expected percent change in high three average
each year (used for projecting your high 3 beyond your chosen retirement date so you can see the effect of
delaying your retirement), and (2) Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) - used to project increases in your
retirement income each year after retirement.
Finally, enter the Survivor Benefit.
Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation
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E. If you are a FERS employee, then you must select the Annuity ==> Social Security - FERS Supplement
form. You will enter your projected monthly social security at age 62 that is provided annually to you from the
social security administration (SSA). If you don't have your SSA information, you can get an estimate by
selecting the SS Quick Calculation button. In addition, you will enter the annual social security COLA (currently
averages 2.98%). If you have military service, then you will enter the years and months served.
Annuity ==> Social Security - FERS Supplement Form
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6. Now you are ready to enter your TSP data. There are three TSP input forms: Contributions, Growth, and
Withdrawal. See the TSP section of this manual for details. You must enter data on all three TSP forms
(Contributions, Growth and Withdrawal) or the program will not store your TSP data.
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7. After entering your TSP information, you are now ready to enter your Insurance data:
FEGLI - Federal Employees Group Life Insurance,
FEHBP - Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and
LTC - Long Term Care) a.
See the respective help pages for these forms.
8. The Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer calculations are integrated with the Benefits Calculator
calculations. Therefore, you must visit each form in the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer before going to
the Reports Generator section of the software so that report related calculations can be made. See the
Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer section for details.
9. Reports Generator pages: After entering data in the Benefits Calculator and the Retirement
Income/Expense Analyzer forms, you can view or print over 50 report pages. See the Report section for more
detail.
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Annuity
To properly calculate the retirement annuity and survivor benefit, the forms listed under the Annuity menu must
be filled-in in the order presented here:
Retirement Eligibility (Required: CSRS and FERS) *
Creditable Service (Required: CSRS and FERS)
High 3 Average (Required: CSRS and FERS) *
Military Service
Deposit
Redeposit
Annuity Calculation (Required: CSRS and FERS)
Social Security - FERS Supplement (Required: FERS and CSRS to FERS Transfers)
Social Security - CSRS Offset (Required CSRS Offset)
WEP Calculation (CSRS)
If you make a change in one or more of these forms, then you must access all higher numbered forms. For
example, if you change a retirement date on the Retirement Eligibility form, then you must re-access the
following forms so that the calculations on these forms conform to the new date:
Creditable Service (Required: CSRS and FERS)
High 3 Average (Required: CSRS and FERS) *
Military Service
Deposit
Redeposit
Annuity Calculation (Required: CSRS and FERS)
Social Security - FERS Supplement (Required: FERS and CSRS to FERS Transfers)
Social Security - CSRS Offset (Required CSRS Offset)
* The Retirement Eligibility form and the High 3 Average form must be filled in before selecting the TSP,
Insurance, and the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer forms.
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Retirement Eligibility
Introduction
In addition to entering your name and address information, you will enter: (1) the retirement system (CSRS,
FERS, or CSRS to FERS Transfer (xFERS)), (2) whether you are a regular or special provisions employee
(Other), and (3) the type of retirement (Regular, Optional (early out RIF), or Mandatory for Firefighters, Law
Enforcement and Air Traffic Controllers (only special provisions). By entering your birth date, retirement service
computation date (SCD), transfer date (if CSRS to FERS transferee (not shown)) and retirement date, you will
see if you meet minimum service time and minimum age requirements for the type of retirement you are
interested in. You can use the, "Earliest Retirement Date," button to calculate the date that you are first eligible
to retire.
Reference
OPM CSRS: Retirement Eligibility
OPM FERS: Retirement Eligibility
FederalRetirement.net: CSRS FERS
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Details
1. Enter your personal information:
Name,
Address,
City,
State,
and Zip code.
2. Next enter:
Retirement System (CSRS, FERS or xFERS (CSRS to FERS transferee)),
Employee Type (Regular or Other), and
Retirement Type (Regular, Optional (Early Out RIF), or Mandatory) or click on the, "Earliest," button.
3. Next, enter your:
Birth Date*,
Retirement - Service Computation Date (SCD) Note: the Retirement - SCD must include all Civil Service
time plus Military Time,
Transfer Date (if xFERS), and
Retirement Date or click on the, "Earliest Retirement Date," button.
* Note for Personal FREE or FREE Personal PLUS users, the birth date can be entered only once.
Please, check to make sure it is accurate as it cannot be changed after it is entered.
Example:
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4. Minimum Service - Years and Minimum Retirement Age data are displayed at the bottom of the form.
Notice in this situation there are three regular retirement options:
Example 1 - FERS Employee
a. 5 Minimum Service Years and 62 Minimum Retirement Age,
b. 20 Minimum Service Years and 60 Minimum Retirement Age, and
c. 30 Minimum Service Years and 56 Years – O months Minimum Retirement Age
You must meet one of these three conditions (a., b, or c.) in order to be eligible for a regular retirement. You will
see a green display at the lower right side of the form that states, Service and Age Requirements Met when the
earliest (or later) retirement date is entered.
In the example above, the Service at Retirement is 34 years, 0 months and 22 days, (greater than the required
Minimum Service - Years) and Age at Retirement is 56 Years and 0 Months (equal to 56 years and 0 months the
required Minimum Retirement Age). The Minimum Service requirement (30 years) and Minimum Age
Requirement (56 years) have been met.
In our next example, change the birth date to 10-21-1961. The indicator at the lower right side of the screen is
now red and states, Service and Age Requirements Not Met. The required Service at Retirement is 30 years,
and the requirement is met. The minimum required Age at Retirement is 56 Years and 0 Months. However, the
age, in this case is 55 years and 0 months and does not meet the minimum Age at Retirement.
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In our last example, change the birth date back to 10-20-1960 and change the SCD to 09-19-1987. The
Minimum Retirement Age is OK, but the Service at Retirement has not been met for a regular FERS retirement.
For a FERS employee, a Minimum Retirement Age + 10 (MRA + 10) retirement is available. In this example,
the Minimum Retirement Age and Service at Retirement (10 + years) requirements have been met. However,
there is a 5% reduction in annuity penalty for each year the MRA + 10 retiree is under age 62 at retirement. In
this example, the retiree is 56 years and 0 months old at retirement and is 6 years and 0 months away from age
62. The penalty is a 6 x 5% = 30.00% reduction in the retirement annuity.
5. BIRTHDATE, RETIREMENT - SERVICE COMPUTATION DATE, TRANSFER DATE (if applicable),
RETIREMENT DATE, CURRENT CREDITABLE SERVICE, CURRENT AGE, CSRS SERVICE AT TRANSFER
(if applicable – not shown), AGE AT TRANSFER (if applicable – not shown), SERVICE AT Retirement, and AGE
AT RETIREMENT are used by other forms.
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Creditable Service
Introduction
You should review your personal records to find exact dates of Civilian Service and Military Service. You will
then enter dates of service in each category. Your Civilian and Military Service Time will be calculated. You will
then use this information to check your Official Personal Folder (OPF) in your personnel office to determine that
your Retirement Service Computation Date (SCD) is accurate. You will enter your unused Sick Leave
information, historical and planned for the future. The unused sick leave will added to your service time credit
that is used to calculate your retirement annuity.
Reference
OPM CSRS: Creditable Service
OPM CSRS Unused Sick Leave: Creditable Sick Leave
OPM FERS: Creditable Service
FERS Unused Sick Leave: Creditable Service
FederalRetirement.net: CSRS FERS
Details - Civilian Service and Military Service:
Note: The Civilian and Military data entered on this form is not used in any other calculations in this Benefits
Calculator or the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer. It is not necessary to enter this data unless you want to
compare your calculations with those of your personnel office or to calculate the SCD.
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1. Start by entering your first Civil Service job at the top of the form. Enter a short description of the job, then
enter the starting and ending dates underneath. Next enter your second job description and starting and ending
dates. And continue this way down the form. The program requires this order (first job at top, latest job at
bottom of list) to accurately calculate total service time.
2. Repeat this process for all your military time. When you have finished, you will observe your total combined
civilian and military service time. You can then compare your service times (civilian and military) with those
recorded in your OPF. In addition your calculated SCD is displayed – this is an approximate date.
SCD Calculation Example:
1. 20 Yeas of civilian, full-time creditable, service began on 03-06-1991 and is calculated through today 03-052011.
2. Four years of military service credit (01-01-1980 to 12-31-1983) is added to civilian service.
3. The Total Creditable Service Time (Civilian + Military) is 24 years, 0 months, and 0 days
4. The Service Computation Date is calculated by subtracting Total Service Time (24 years, 0 months, and 0
days) from today's date 03-05-2011 = 03-05-1987.
If you don't have your official SCD, you can use the calculated SCD. It is then entered on the Annuity ==>
Retirement Eligibility form.
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Details - Unused Sick Leave:
Enter sick leave information at the right side of the form. First, enter the proposed sick leave time to be saved
for each two week pay period. Enter any amount between 0 and 4 hours per two week period. Next enter the
saved sick leave hours to date. Notice that the number of 2 week pay periods until your retirement is calculated
(calculated using today’s date and the retirement date from the Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility form), and the
sick leave hours to be saved between today and retirement are calculated. Finally, the total number of years,
months and days of saved sick leave at retirement is calculated.
Use of this Data
1. The Civilian and Military Service information calculated on this form are not used on any other form in this
program. It is provided to ensure that your figures agree with those found in your Official Personnel Folder.
However, the Civilian and Military service time can be used to calculate the actual Retirement Service
Computation Date illustrated above.
2. The Sick Leave data is used by the Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation form to add to the total service time for
annuity calculations only and not for minimum service determination.
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High 3 Average
Introduction
If you will retire after this year, then the High 3 averaged is estimated using your current salary and an estimated
increase in annual salary.
If you will retire this year, you will review personal records to find dates and amounts of pay increases covering,
at least the last three to four years. After entering this information into this form, the High 3 average at
retirement will be calculated.
Reference
OPM Computation Example: High 3 Average
OPM CSRS: High 3 Average
OPM FERS: High 3 Average
FederalRetirement.net: CSRS FERS
Details – Projection Method - Retirement Next Year or Later:
1. If your retirement date is in the next calendar year or later, you will estimate your Hi 3 average to retirement.
2. Enter your Current Annual Salary.
3. Enter your expected average annual pay Increase (% Increase in January). Consider annual cost-of-living
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adjustments, step increases, and promotions.
4. Click on the Calculate button.
Example:
Details – Current Year Method – Retiring this year:
1. Start by entering your Current Annual Salary, and your estimated Percent Increase Each January as
described in the previous section. Then click on the RED calculate button towards the top of the form (see step
1 above in the picture). This is entered as this data is needed on the TSP and FEGLI forms.
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2. Next enter the latest pay change date and amount (see above). Then enter previous pay change dates and
amounts in chronological order.
3. If dates are not in order, dates are missing, or dates are wrong, the High 3 calculation will be in error.
Therefore, extensive date error checking was added to this form to ensure accuracy of date entries. If a mistake
is made, an error message will explain the problem. To insert or delete a date and amount, place the mouse
cursor on the appropriate date, click the mouse, then click on the Insert Line or Delete Line button.
4. After entering the pay change information, click on the Calculate button located at the bottom of the form.
5. Any errors in the dates will be displayed as stated above.
6. The green, High 3 Average window displays the high 3 average on your retirement date (it is also displayed
on the top line of the spreadsheet on the right side of the form). Note, if a pay increase occurs after today but
before your retirement date, it will not be reflected in the high 3 average at retirement. To overcome this, you
can predict a pay change date and amount and enter this in the latest Date Effective and Annual Pay columns
on the form.
7. The spreadsheet lists monthly High 3 averages and changes in High 3 averages from one month to the next.
Small variations from one month to the next occur because the number of days in each month are different.
Gradual trends up in the monthly High 3 average are a result of larger pay increases or shorter duration
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between pay changes. Gradual trends down in the monthly High 3 average occur due to smaller pay increases
or longer duration between pay changes.
8. The calculated High 3 average from this form is sent to the Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation form. Therefore,
the information on this form must be entered before working on the Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation form.
If you are retiring this calendar year, then you should enter Pay Changes and Dates in the individual boxes
provided on the form instead of projecting your high 3. This will give you a more accurate calculation of your
High 3 Average. However, you must first use the "Project Hi 3 to Retirement" method first as the data created
by it is used in the TSP and FEGLI forms.
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Military Service
Introduction
You will answer a few questions regarding military service to include dates and Social Security deposits, and
you will receive information on deposit requirements, deposit due dates and interest rate information. The data
collected on this form is not used on any other form.
Reference
OPM CSRS: Military Service
OPM FERS: Military Service
FederalRetirement.net: CSRS - FERS
Details
CSRS
1. Answer the questions on the left side of the screen by selecting one of the two buttons in two or more of the
statement boxes. Depending on how the selections are made, other statement boxes will be enabled or
disabled. The general response to the selections made will be displayed at the bottom of the screen in the big
box on the left. There will be general information covering: impacts on making (or not making) a deposit for
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military service time. Social security and military credit applied to civil service credit and the type of interest
(fixed or variable) to be charged with the deposit will be displayed.
FERS
1. Answer the questions on the right side of the screen by selecting one of the two buttons in one or more of the
statement boxes. Depending on how selections are made, the bottom statement box will be enabled or
disabled. The general response to the statements will be displayed at the bottom of the screen in the big box to
the right. There will be general information covering impacts of making (or not making) a deposit for military
service time. Military credit applied to civil service credit and whether interest will or will not be charged for the
deposit.
CSRS and FERS
1. The screen provides only very general information. Please consult your personnel department for specific
answers on military service as applied to civil service
2. No data from this form is used by any other form, however a report page is available that provides military
service information.
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Deposit
Introduction
You will enter the period of time (if any) where deductions from Civil Service income were not deposited in a
retirement system (CSRS or FERS). You will determine how much is owed (deposit and interest). You will
review the consequences of not paying the deposit and interest.
Reference
OPM CSRS: Deposit - Performed CSRS service where no retirement deductions were withheld from your pay
OPM FERS: Deposit - Performed FERS service where no retirement deductions were withheld from your pay
Details
1. Enter the beginning date and ending date when deductions for a retirement system were not withheld. Enter
the deposit owed for this period. You will probably need to contact the personnel office for this information.
2. Do not enter a Deposit to be Paid On This Date at this point.
3. Click on the Calculate Deposit button.
(a) If the deposit period ended before 10-01-1982, the program will calculate the Interest and the Total
Deposit owed on the Retirement Date.
(b) If the deposit period ended on or after 10-01-1982, the program will calculate the Service Time Earned
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during this Period and deduct it from the Total Service at Retirement.
(c) Either the Total Deposit Owed (3.a) or Service Time Earned during this period (3.b) will be sent to the
Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation form for adjustment of the retirement annuity.
4. If the intent is to make a deposit or a deposit was previously made, enter the deposit date in the Deposit to
be Paid On This Date field. Then click on the Calculate Deposit button.
5. General information is provided at the top of this form as to the annuity impacts of making or not making a
deposit for non-deduction period of time before and after 10-01-1982.
Caution
Make sure that you push the CALCULATE DEPOSIT button before leaving this form. The data displayed on the
form is passed to the Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation form. If you make changes or just review this form
without pushing the Calculate DEPOSIT button, erroneous data will be processed by the Annuity ==> Annuity
Calculation form.
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Redeposit
Introduction
You will enter the civil service period of time for which a refund of retirement deposits was received. You will
determine how much is owed (redeposit and interest). You will review the consequences of not paying the
redeposit and interest.
Reference
OPM CSRS: Redeposit - A redeposit is the repayment of retirement deductions that were previously withheld
and refunded to you, plus interest.
FERS: Redeposit
FederalRetirement.net: CSRS-FERS
Details
1. Enter the beginning date and ending date where deductions for the retirement system were made and were
later received as a refund of these deductions. Enter the amount refunded for this period. Enter the date the
refund was received. You may need to contact the personnel office for this information.
2. Do not enter a Redeposit to be Paid On This Date at this point.
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3. Click on the Calculate Redeposit button.
(a) If the redeposit period ended before 10-01-1990, the program will calculate the Interest and the Total
Redeposit Owed on the Retirement Date.
(b) If the redeposit period ended on or after 10-01-1990, the program will calculate the Service Time Earned
During Refund Period and deduct it from the Total Service at Retirement.
(c) Either the Total Redeposit Owed (3.a) or Service Time Earned During Refund Period (3.b) will be sent to
the Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation form for adjustment of the retirement annuity.
4. If a redeposit will be made or has already been made, enter the redeposit date in the Redeposit to be Paid
On This Date field. Then click on the Calculate Redeposit button.
5. General information is provided at the top of this form as to the annuity impacts of making or not making a
redeposit for the refund period of time before and after 10-01-1990.
Caution
Make sure that you click on the CALCULATE REDEPOSIT button before leaving this form. The data displayed
on the form is passed to the Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation form. If you make changes or just review this form
without pushing the Calculate REDEPOSIT button, erroneous data will be processed by the Annuity ==> 7
Annuity Calculation form.
Example: (taken from FERS: Redeposit)
The following example illustrates the total cost of a redeposit including the interest charges:
Joseph was a federal employee from 1985 through 1998. In November 1998,
Joseph left federal service and withdrew all of his FERS contributions -- a total of $8,000.
Joseph returned to federal service in 2005.
Because the redeposit law for FERS employees changed in 2011, Joseph would now like to redeposit
his withdrawn FERS contributions.
If he does, he will be able to get credit for 13.5 years of service, from 1985 to 1998, for FERS eligibility
and FERS annuity computation purposes.
The following table summarizes what Joseph owes for his redeposit after withdrawing the $8,000
of FERS contributions when he left federal service in 1998:
Joseph therefore owes for his FERS redeposit a total of $14,517 as of the end of 2009.
By redepositing the full $14,517, Joseph will add 13.5 years to his FERS service. In so doing, Joseph's
redeposit is also adding 13.5 percent (13.5 years times 1.0 percent) to his FERS annuity each year if he retires
before 62. For example, if Joseph's high-three average salary is $100,000, he will add 13.5 percent of $100,000,
or $13,500 a year to his annuity for the rest of his life. In other words, it will take slightly more than one year after
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Joseph retires to be reimbursed for his $14,517 redeposit. The "breakpoint" for Joseph's redeposit is therefore
approximately 13 months. If Joseph retires after age 62 with at least 20 years of service, he will add 14.9 (13.5
times 1.1 percent) percent to his FERS annuity with a "breakpoint" of slightly less than one year.
Application to Make Service Credit Payment - FERS are available for download at:
http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp
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Annuity Calculation
Introduction
This form calculates the retirement annuity. You will review the interaction of many variables that affect the
retirement annuity and the survivor benefit. You will view the change in annuity by delaying the retirement for a
period of time (11 months (max.) or 11 years (max.)).
Reference:
OPM CSRS: Benefits Calculation
OPM FERS: Benefits Calculation
FederalRetirement.net: CSRS-FERS
Details
1. Input Data.
This form gets its data from the following sources:
Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility (Age at Retirement (years and months), Service Years and Months at
Retirement, Retirement System, Employee Type, Employee Skill, and Retirement Type),
Annuity ==> Creditable Service (Sick Leave only),
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Annuity ==> High 3 Average (Hi 3 Average amount),
Annuity ==> Deposit (Annual Deposit Penalty - either an amount or years/months), and
Annuity ==> Redeposit (Annual Redeposit Penalty - either an amount or years/months).
In the data boxes found at the top of the form, the:
Estimated High 3 Increase/Year, and
(COLA) in Retirement
are the only inputs that do not come from other forms.
High 3 Average at Retirement, Years and Months of Service at Retirement, and Age at Retirement in Years and
Months can be temporarily changed directly on the form but will not be saved. This allows for temporary testing
of changes to these inputs.
2. The spreadsheet at the bottom of the form can be scrolled vertically and horizontally. It displays the results of
all the calculations made from the inputs listed in paragraph 1. No input can be made on the spreadsheet; it is
for the display of data only. The top line of the spreadsheet displays the data on the retirement date (selected
on the Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility Form). The top line of the spreadsheet is the source of data for many
report pages:
Analysis Summary,
Retirement Data,
Annuity,
Benefits Cost, and
Others.
3. By selecting the View Data - Years, projections from the retirement date out 11 years can be reviewed on the
spreadsheet. These years appear below the top line (selected Retirement Year on the Annuity ==> Retirement
Eligibility form) of the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet lines are presented to show what the impact would be to
delay a retirement one or more years. Since the High 3 cannot be accurately calculated (without future pay
increase and date information) for the future, you will need to estimate an annual percent increase for projection
purposes (see the 3. High 3 Average form for monthly historical averages) and enter it in the Estimated High 3
Increase/Year data box. By selecting the View Data - Months, projections from the retirement date (top line of
spreadsheet) out 11 months can be reviewed. This data is presented to show what the impact would be to delay
a retirement one or more months. A Change in Hi 3 Average is intentionally not incorporated in the View Data Month option.
4. At times, some of the rows on the spreadsheet may be colored with a red background. This indicates that the
Service at Retirement and/or Age at Retirement requirements (see Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility form) for
the Retirement Type selected have not been met (both CSRS and FERS). A yellow background indicates
eligibility for a reduced benefit under FERS (MRA + 10 option) only.
5. By clicking on the Clear Form button, you can enter what-if data on the form at the top and observe the results
on the spreadsheet. The data that you enter on this form is only temporary and will be lost when you exit the
form. When you return to the form data will come from the forms listed in paragraph 1.
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6. The CSRS Survivor control (up and down arrows) can adjust the Survivor Annuity between 0% and 100% in
1% increments. As shown on the form, with the control set to 100% the Survivor Annuity is calculated as 55% of
the No Survivor Annuity amount. This control is only visible if the Retirement System is CSRS.
Example CSRS Survivor Benefit Selection
7. The FERS Survivor control can be set for a 0%, 25%, or a 50% benefit. This control is only visible if the
Retirement System is FERS or xFERS (CSRS to FERS transfer employee).
Example FERS Survivor Benefit Selection
8. The spreadsheet at the bottom of the screen displays the full Annual and full Monthly Annuity Amounts (No
Survivor and With Survivor).
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9. The Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is used for projecting increases in the retirement annuity
and survivor benefit in the report forms. It is not used in any of the calculations on this form. You can review
COLA history by selecting the, "History," button.
Cost of Living In Retirement Entry
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10. If the Retirement System is XFERS (CSRS to FERS transfer employee selected on the Annuity ==>
Retirement Eligibility form), a Transfer Details button will appear under the Clear Form button. When selected,
details are revealed as to Service Time in each Retirement System (CSRS and FERS), Annual Annuity in CSRS
and FERS are displayed, and Early Retirement penalties (Annual Under Minimum Retirement Age (MRA)
Penalties) for each system are displayed.
This form generates data for the following report pages: Analysis Summary, Retirement Data, Retirement Benefit,
Annuity, Benefits Cost, and Others
Example:
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FERS Supplement - Social Security
Introduction
The FERS Supplement is a benefit paid until age 62 to certain FERS employees who retire before age 62 and
who are entitled to an immediate annuity. The supplement approximates the value of FERS service in a Social
Security benefit. The general purpose of the supplement is to provide a level of income before age 62 similar to
what the retiree will receive at age 62 as part of a Social Security benefit, if eligible for Social Security at that
age. The supplement stops at age 62 even if the FERS retiree is not eligible for Social Security.
Reference
OPM: FERS Supplement
FederalRetirement.net: FERS Supplement
Details
1. The FERS Supplement form gets data from the following source forms:
Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility:
a. Age at Retirement, and
b. FERS Service at Retirement, and
Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation:
a. FERS Annuity and
b. Annual FERS Annuity COLA
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These forms (Annuity ==> Retirement, and Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation) must be filled in before working on
the FERS Supplement form.
2. Data is recorded on the FERS Supplement form:
a. Monthly Social Security at Age 62 - this is found on the "Your Social Security Statement," sent to
you from the IRS. Enter the monthly amount shown on page 2 that states, "At age 62, your payment would be
about...." If you don't have your social security statement, you can obtain an estimate by clicking on the
Calculator button.
b. Annual Social Security COLA - The Social Security Act specifies a formula for determining the
COLA. In general, the COLA is equal to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage
Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of one year to the third quarter of the next. The
following table was taken from the Social Security Administration, History of Automatic Cost-Of-Living
Adjustments fact sheet. From the table below, the average COLA 1990-2010 = 2.70%
Table from: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/colaseries.html
3. Enter Years and Months of Military service.
4. The FERS Supplement is calculated: Years of FERS service (minus military service) divided by 40 times the
Monthly Social Security at Age 62. For example, from the Figure Above:
Years of FERS service = 34 years + 0 months
Monthly Social Security at Age 62 = $1,459
Calculation: (34 months) divided by (40) times ($1,459) = $1240 (rounded).
5. The spreadsheet at the bottom of the FERS Supplement form can be scrolled vertically. It displays the results
of all the calculations made from the inputs listed in paragraphs 1 and 2. No input can be made on the
spreadsheet; it is for display of data only. The spreadsheet data can be printed by selecting the FERS
Supplement report page in the menu.
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6. For regular FERS employees, there is no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the FERS annuity until age 62,
and no COLA for the FERS supplement. For Special Provisions employees (Firefighters, Law Enforcement, and
Air Traffic Controllers), however there is an Annuity COLA and FERS Supplement COLA, starting the second
year of retirement.
7. You can waive starting Social Security Benefits at age 62. However, FERS Supplement payments stop at age
62. After you enter the "Monthly Social Security at Age 62, Enter the desired Start Age of Social Security and
enter Social Security Amount at Start Age.
Example:
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CSRS Offset - Social Security
Introduction
At retirement, CSRS Offset employee benefits are computed in the same manner as any regular CSRS
employee if under age 62. The full CSRS annuity benefit is paid until age 62, when the CSRS Offset retiree is
eligible for Social Security. At age 62, the CSRS retirement benefit is recomputed to take into account the years
of service the employee was covered under both CSRS Offset and Social Security. At age 62, the CSRS annuity
is then permanently reduced (offset) by the portion of the Social Security retirement benefit that is attributable to
the period of time the employee was covered by both systems. The CSRS Offset employee will receive Social
Security benefits at age 62, however the CSRS annuity will be reduced. The CSRS Offset is the lesser of (1)
Social Security earnings attributable to Offset service or (2) the total Social Security benefit multiplied by a
fraction (number of CSRS Offset years divided by 40).
Reference
OPM: CSRS Offset
Details
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1. The CSRS Offset form gets data from the following source forms:
Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility
a. Age at Retirement, and
b. CSRS Service at Retirement
Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation.
a. CSRS Annuity and
b. Annual CSRS Annuity COLA
These forms: Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility, and Annuity ==> Annuity Calculation, must be filled in before
working on the CSRS Offset form.
2. Data recorded on the CSRS offset form:
a. Monthly Social Security at Age 62 - this is found on the "Your Social Security Statement," sent to
you each your from the SSA. Enter the monthly amount shown on page 2 that states, "At age 62, your payment
would be about...." If you don't have your social security statement, you can obtain an estimate by clicking on
the Calculator button.
b. Monthly Social Security - Amount Attributable to Offset at Age 62 - you must contact the Social
Security Administration an ask for this amount (however, your are not likely to get it). If the information is not
available, then set the amount to zero.
c. Annual Social Security COLA - The Social Security Act specifies a formula for determining the
COLA. In general, the COLA is equal to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage
Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of one year to the third quarter of the next. The
following table was taken from the Social Security Administration, History of Automatic Cost-Of-Living
Adjustments fact sheet. From the table below, the average COLA 1990-2010 = 2.70%
Table from: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/colaseries.html
d. Start Offset Employment - Date that CSRS Offset service began.
3. The spreadsheet at the bottom of the CSRS Offset form displays the results of all the calculations made from
the inputs listed in paragraphs 1 and 2. No input can be made on the spreadsheet; it is for display of data only.
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The spreadsheet data can be printed by selecting the CSRS Offset report page on the report form.
4. The CSRS Offset is calculated: Monthly Social Security at Age 62 times Years of CSRS Offset service
divided by 40. For example, from the Figure Above:
Monthly Social Security at Age 62 = $1,400
Years of Offset service = 27
Calculation: $1,400 x (27 years of CSRS Offset service) divided by 40 = $945.
5. The CSRS Offset is subtracted from the CSRS annuity starting at age 62 - at the time social security
payments start. From the picture above at age 62:
Annuity = $2,759
Minus
$945
Adjusted Annuity at age 62 = $1,814
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Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP Calculation - CSRS)
Introduction
CSRS employees DO NOT pay Social Security taxes, but they do pay Medicare tax (1.45% of salary).
Generally, CSRS employees receive no Social Security retirement benefits, unless they have worked in a
position covered by Social Security before or after working as a CSRS employee. Even with other work covered
by Social Security, there is a very good chance that Social Security retirement benefits due a CSRS retiree, will
be permanently reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
Reference
OPM CSRS: Windfall Elimination Provision
Social Security Administration: Windfall Elimination Provision
FederalRetirement.net: CSRS
Details
What is the Windfall Elimination Provision of the Social Security Reform Act of 1983?
It established that a person would only draw Social Security benefits for the actual work done under the Social
Security Act. It established that a person who draws a civil service annuity (or other non-covered annuity) must
have at least 30 years of “substantial” Social Security coverage in order to draw the highest allowed benefits
from Social Security. For each year less than 30 years of “substantial” coverage, your Social Security benefit is
reduced by 5% until you reach 40%.That 40% becomes the floor for your Social Security benefits.
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You must have earned the following amounts to be considered “substantial” earnings:
See the Social Security website: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10045.html for more detailed information.
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Thrift Savings Plan
Introduction
You will calculate future earnings in one or more of the TSP funds during working and retirement years. You will
investigate the monthly increase in each of the funds for any period of time. You will select a month and year in
which to start withdrawal of TSP funds. You will compare the three major options for withdrawing funds (lump
sum, monthly payments and annuity). The TSP form is separated into three areas (each has a tab):
Contributions, Growth, and Withdrawal.
Reference
TSP: Contributions
TSP: Growth
TSP: Withdrawal
FederalRetirement.net: TSP
Details
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The TSP form requires the Retirement System and Retirement Date that are entered on the Annuity ==>
Retirement Eligibility form.
Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility form
In addition, Annual Salary and Percentage Increase Each January are required and come from the Annuity ==>
High 3 Average form.
Annuity ==> High 3 Average form
You must enter this data on the two Annuity forms before you can work on the TSP form.
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CONTRIBUTIONS (tab):
The Retirement System, from the Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility form, and the Annual Salary and the
Percentage Increase Each January, from the Annuity ==> High 3 Average form, appear at the top of the TSP –
Contributions form.
Example:
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1. Begin by entering the Existing TSP Savings on the Contributions Form.
Federal employees can view this information at http://www.TSP.gov, Account Access web page. In addition,
federal employees can access the TSP web site directly from the Benefits Calculator HELP menu.
You must know the Personal Identification Number and Social Security Number to obtain account information.
2. Enter the percent of the annual salary or the biweekly amount to invest in the funds.
3. The Internal Revenue Service Max Allowed contribution limit cannot be exceeded. If you contribute the max
allowed and you are 50 years old or older, then you can contribute an additional sum in the Catchup (yellow)
window.
4. Enter the percent of the total contributions to put into the L, C, F, G, I and S funds (Distribute Savings into
Funds in Percentages). The entries must total 100%.
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5. Select the L – Fund if applicable.
6. After entering all the information above, the program calculates the allocation of the future investments into
each of the funds in the percentages you entered in paragraph 4 above.
If you are a FERS employee, the government’s annual contribution is automatically calculated in-accordancewith the following:
You
Government
TOTAL
Contribute
Contributes
0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
5% +
1%
2%
3%
4%
4.5%
5%
5%
1%
3%
5%
7%
8.5%
10%
10% +
TSP Catch-Up
General Information
Catch-up contributions are a supplement to the participant’s regular employee contributions and do not count
against either the statutory contribution percentage or the Internal Revenue Code’s elective deferral limit.
However, the catch-up contributions have their own annual limit (the “annual catch-up contributions limit”) and
eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Catch-up Contributions
A federal employee is eligible: (1) when the federal employee becomes 50 or older, and (2) if the federal
employee is already contributing the maximum amount of regular TSP contributions for which he/she is eligible.
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GROWTH (tab):
1. Enter the Future Compound Annual Return Rate - Percentages for each fund. You can find historical
percentages for the funds (and other information) on the TSP website.
TSP return rates were taken from: https://www.tsp.gov/investmentfunds/returns/returnSummary.shtml.
Example:
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2. Two spreadsheets depict funds growth. The top spreadsheet displays the growth of each individual fund in
the future. The bottom spreadsheet displays the future growth of the funds allocated into the selected L fund.
3. Displayed data:
(a) The Retirement Date was entered in the, Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility form.
(b) The Retirement Age was calculated in the Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility form.
Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility form
TSP ==> Growth Tab
(c) The Withdrawal Age (Year and Month when TSP withdrawals will start.
(d) The number of Months from Now when TSP withdrawals start will be displayed,
4. After selecting the Calculate Performance button, calculations are made that fill-in the Funds Growth spread
sheets described in 2. above.
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5. The following effects on Existing Savings can be calculated, displayed, and printed:
(a) Future growth, of existing savings for any time period,
(b) Changing the distribution of existing savings in different funds,
(c) Changing the future compound annual return rate of existing savings in different funds,
(d) Changing the withdrawal age of existing savings in different funds,
6. The following effects on Future Contributions can be calculated, displayed, and printed in the Funds Growth
spread sheet:
(a) Future growth, of future contributions for any time period,
(b) Changing the distribution of future contributions in different funds,
(c) Changing the future compound annual return rate of future contributions in different funds,
(d) Changing the withdrawal age of future contributions in different funds,
7. CALCULATIONS:
During each month in the working years, the program calculates:
(a) The amount deposited in each fund,
(b) Increase of each deposit beginning in January each year, and
(c) Compounded increases on savings in each fund.
During each month in the retirement years, the program calculates:
(a) Compounded increases on savings in each fund.
The results are viewed in the Funds Growth spreadsheets.
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WITHDRAWAL (tab):
Start by selecting from one of the three major Withdrawal Options (see figure above):
Lump Sum,
Monthly Payments or
Annuity.
You can find information covering these options (and other information) in the TSP Booklet, "Withdrawing Your
TSP Account After Leaving Federal Service." Click the Withdrawal HELP button (see figure above) to display
this document.
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Example:
1. The Lump Sum selection will produce no further calculation as the lump sum is viewed in the Funds Growth
spread sheet (Growth Tab) - in the Balance column on the bottom line. It also appears in the light green
information window to the right of Withdrawal Options (shown below). This option is usually selected when you
desire to roll the money out of your TSP account into an investment. Be extremely careful if you do this as there
could be major tax consequences.
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2. The Monthly Payments selection displays three new options:
Life Expectancy (IRS)
Number of Payments, and
Monthly Amount
methods for calculating the monthly withdrawal. See the information window on the form.
(a) Select one of the three options:
LIfe Expectancy: The number of payments and monthly amount are calculated for you using
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) life expectancy table. The number of payments depends on the age at which
the withdrawal will start. The program will deduct the maximum amount from each fund so that each fund will
have almost a zero amount after the last payment is made.
Number of Payments: Enter the number of payments you want. The monthly amount is
calculated by the program, and it will deduct the maximum amount from each fund so that each fund will have
almost a zero amount after the last payment is made.
Monthly Amount: Enter the number of payments and the monthly amount you want. The
program will deduct a portion from each fund determined by the percentages entered in the, "Distribute Savings
into the Funds in Percentages Shown," fields.
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(b) Enter Number of Payments (if applicable) and/or Monthly Amount (if applicable)
(c) Enter the distribution percentages of the five funds during the withdrawal years by entering percentages in
one or more of the Fund fields. You can select the L – Income fund allocation by clicking on the L Income
Distribution button. The total percentage must equal 100%.
Click here to view a short video that covers the three Monthly Payment options.
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3. The Annuity selection
(a) You will observe Your Age at Start of Annuity that you selected when in the Growth (tab) part of the
TSP form
(b) If there is a joint annuitant, enter his/her age in the Joint Annuitants Age at Start of Annuity field.
(c) Enter the Current Interest Rate Index. Click on the Annuity Interest Rate Index button. This will open
the, "Annuity Interest Rate" web page on the TSP website.
(d) On the Annuity form (above) you will see three types of Annuity:
- SINGLE LIFE with Level or Increasing Payments,
- JOINT LIFE WITH SPOUSE with Level or Increasing Payments, and
- JOINT LIFE WITH OTHER SPOUSE with Level Payments.
(e) Click on the Calculate Annuity button, and observe the various monthly annuity amounts.
(f) You can get detailed information on Annuity in the TSP Booklet, "Annuity." Click on the Benefits
Calculator HELP menu then click on TSP web site. Look in the Forms and Publications section of the TSP web
site.
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Insurance
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Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
Introduction
You will review current FEGLI insurance coverage and the biweekly, monthly and annual premiums. You will
investigate future changes in coverage and premiums, based on salary and age, before and after retirement.
You can change the type and amount of coverage and then view resulting changes in premiums. For each
scenario, you will view the long term coverage and accumulated costs.
Reference
OPM: FEGLI
FederalRetirement.net: FEGLI
Details
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Example:
1. The FEGLI form gets the Birth Date, Retirement Date, Current Age, and Age at Retirement from the Annuity
==> Retirement Eligibility form. This data must be entered before you can work on the FEGLI form.
Annuity ==> Retirement Eligibility form
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2. The FEGLI form gets the Annual Salary, and Jan. Increase, from the Annuity ==> High 3 form. This data must
be entered before you can work on the FEGLI form.
Annuity ==> High 3 form
3. If you are a Postal Employee, then check the Postal Employee box (postal employees receive free Basic
coverage until they retire).
4. Next select insurance coverage by clicking on the appropriate Coverage boxes (see above).
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5. For additional information regarding FEGLI, click on the HELP menu and select FEGLI website.
BASIC coverage is equal to the current annual salary rounded up to the next $1,000 plus $2000 if you
are 45 years old and over. If you are under 45 years old, then Basic coverage is greater (see the FEGLI website
for details). You must select this coverage to be eligible for the optional coverage (A, B, and C). The Basic
coverage may be continued after retirement under certain conditions.
At age 65 (if retired) there are three options for Basic Coverage:
(a) No reduction in Basic coverage,
(b) 50% reduction in Basic coverage starting at age 65 reduced by 1% per month until 50% coverage is
reached,
(c) 75% reduction in Basic coverage starting at age 65 reduced by 2% per month until 25% coverage is
reached.
Select the reduction desired by clicking on the appropriate entry under the Reduction At Age 65
heading.
Option A - Standard coverage is equal to $10,000 dollars. You may continue it after retirement if Basic
coverage is continued. Effective at the end of the month after the month in which age 65 is reached or the
retirement date (if later than age 65), Option A coverage will be reduced by 2% per month until it reaches 25%
($2,500).
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Option B - Additional coverage is equal to 1 to 5 times the annual salary rounded up to the next $1,000.
Select any number between 1 and 5 under the Option B Multiplier heading. This optional coverage continues
automatically after retirement if Basic coverage is elected. Effective at the end of the month after the month in
which age 65 is reached or the retirement date (if later than age 65), Option B coverage will reduce by 2% of the
pre-retirement amount per month for 50 months, at which time the coverage will end. However, if continued
coverage after the age of 65 is desired, check the NO Reduction At Age 65 box.
Option C - Family coverage covers eligible family members: $5,000 for a spouse and $2,500 for each
eligible dependent child. It continues automatically after retirement if Basic coverage is continued. Multiple
amounts of coverage for Spouse and Dependents are available from 1 to 5 multiples ($5,000 to $25,000 in
$5,000 increments for Spouse and $2,500 to $12,500 for each Dependent). Select the Cover Spouse box and
click on the Dependent Information button (if applicable) to enter the number of dependent children. If selected,
enter Dependents current age and mark the Yes box if support for the dependent is allowed after age of 22, then
push the OK button. Select the C Multiplier for the coverage desired. Effective at the end of the month after the
month in which age 65 is reached or the retirement date (if later than age 65), Option C coverage will reduce by
2% of the retirement age amount per month for 50 months, at which time coverage will end. However, if
continued coverage after the age of 65 is desired, check the NO Reduction At Age 65 Box.
Note: if you have marked one or more boxes under Coverage but you have not marked the Basic Coverage box,
then all calculations will be zero and some options will not be displayed. See Basic Coverage.
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6. Next, click on the Calculate button and review the Premiums (biweekly or monthly and annual), the
accumulated cost for all coverage over the years, and coverage amounts from current age to display years
selected. Click on the third column RED heading above Premium to alternate between the Biweekly and
Monthly display of data.
7. Click the FEGLI Codes button to view and/or print the FEGLI Codes.
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Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)
Introduction
The FEHBP form will help you to project future FEHBP costs with an estimated premium cost increase each
year.
Reference
OPM: FEHBP
FederalRetirement.net: FEHBP
Details
1. You will enter your current, biweekly FEHBP payment found on your leave and earnings statement (pay stub)
and an estimated percentage annual cost increase in your FEHBP payments each year.
2. The Benefits Calculator will then convert your biweekly payment into a monthly payment, and an annual
payment.
3. Finally, the program will calculate annually compounded increases in each of these payment amounts
(biweekly, monthly and annual) by the percentage annual cost increase you enter. The percentage change each
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year is increased by compounding the previous year's increase. For example, assume that the first year's total
payments = 26 payments x $100 (biweekly) = $2,600. The second year's annual payment amount is expected to
increase by 10%: $2,600 + (10% x $2,600 = $260) = $2,860. In the third year the annual payment amount is
expected to increase by 10%: $2,860 + (10% x $2,860 = $286) = $3,146.
Example:
4. For additional information regarding Health Insurance, click on the HELP menu and select FEGHB Health
Insurance website.
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Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance
Introduction
Like other Americans, federal employees and retirees are concerned about their long-term care needs. Long
term care is something you may need if you can no longer perform everyday tasks by yourself. For example,
there may come a time when you need help getting dressed, eating or bathing. It also includes the kind of care
you would need if you had a severe cognitive impairment like Alzheimer's disease. You can receive this care in
a variety of settings, including your home, an assisted living facility or a nursing home.
Reference
OPM: LTC
FederalRetirement.net: LTC
Example:
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Details
Figure 1
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Figure 2
Figure 3
1. Fill-in the following basic data on the LTC website form (see Figure 1):
Birth Date,
Select Customize Your Plan,
Daily Benefit Amount - The maximum amount a plan will pay in any single day,
Benefit Period - The amount of time your insurance will last if the full daily benefit is paid every day,
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Waiting Period (is fixed at 90 days) - The amount of time you must pay for covered services before the
insurance will begin to pay, and
Inflation Protection - three options that will increase benefits to help pay for increased costs of care:
(a) Automatic Compound Inflation (ACI) Option- An inflation protection option that increases your
benefits automatically by 4% or 5% compounded annually with no increase in premium (at this time), or
(b) Future Purchase Option - An inflation protection option that increases your benefits every
other year with an increase in premiums.
2. Transfer the Data entered on the LTC Website form to the Entry Form (see Figure 1).
3. Click on the Calculate button (not shown in Figure 1) on the LTC Website form.
4. Transfer the Data calculated on the LTC Website form to the Entry Form (see Figure 2).
5. Click on the Calculate button on the Entry form (see Figure 2).
6. A pop-up message appears (see Figure 3) that calculates 22 years of LTC data. This is a brief listing. A
detailed report page displays LTC coverage and premiums from current age through age 90.
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Retirement
Affordability
Analyzer
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Overview
The Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer program was developed to integrate all income and expense data
from the Benefits Calculator and other sources in order to present a thorough analysis of income and expenses
during each year of retirement.
Analyzer Menu
Source of Data
Calculations
A. Income Other Sources
Analyzer
TSP Rollover,
Pensions,
Rental Property,
Spouse's Income,
Jobs after Retirement, and
Other Taxable and Non-Taxable Income
B. Income Analysis
Benefits Calculator Current:
and Analyzer
All Pay Stub Income & Deductions
Retirement:
Annuity,
FERS Supplement,
Social Security,
TSP, and
Annuity Deductions
C. Expense Other Sources
Analyzer
Living Expense:
Summarized or Itemized
D. Income + Expense Analysis:
1. Income Gov. Sources
Benefits Calculator Salary,
Annuity,
FERS Supplement,
Social Security, and
TSP
2. Expenses Gov. Sources
Benefits Calculator Retirement Penalties,
Survivor Benefit,
FEGLI,
Health Insurance,
Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance, and
Federal and State Income Taxes
3. Income & Expenses Gov Sources
D.1. & D.2.
4. Income & Expenses Other Sources A. & C.
5. Income & Expenses All Sources
Comparison
Comparison
A. & B. & C. & D.1.
& D.2. & D.3 & D.4.
Retirement Affordability
Federal job and retirement income are thoroughly analyzed:
Salary,
Retirement Annuity,
Social Security / FERS Supplement (if applicable), and
TSP.
Federal job and retirement expenses are also thoroughly analyzed:
Retirement penalties,
Survivor Benefit,
FEGLI,
Health Insurance,
Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance, and
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Federal and State Taxes.
In addition, to the federal job and retirement related sources of income and expenses listed above, other
sources of income and expenses can be listed and projected over time.
The primary purpose of the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer is to investigate future time periods when
expenses may be larger than income. With this knowledge, strategies for avoiding this situation can be explored.
The Annuity, TSP and Insurance sections of the Benefits Calculator are used to calculate your federal benefits.
The Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer will take these calculations and project them into your retirement
years. You will view the impact time has on:
Annuity,
Social Security (FERS and CSRS Offset),
TSP,
Annuity Penalties (e.g., early retirement),
Survivor Benefit,
FEGLI,
Health Insurance,
Long Term Care Insurance, and
State and Federal Income Taxes.
You will then add other sources of income and expenses that are realized during your retirement years.
Other income may include (in part):
IRAs
Roth IRAs
Savings Accounts
Part-time Job
Rental Income,
Reverse Mortgages, and
Other Sources
Other sources of expenses may include (in part):
House Payment,
Car Payment,
Utilities,
Travel,
Education,
Food,
Clothing, and
Others Sources.
Finally, the government income and expenses and other sources of income and expense are combined so that
yearly and monthly projections are calculated from retirement age to age 90. There may be periods of time when
income is insufficient to meet expenses. The power of the Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense
Analyzer can then be used to make adjustments in many places so that income is always greater than
expenses.
Date is entered in the following order:
A. Income Other Sources,
B. Income Analysis,
C. Expense Other Sources,
D. Income + Expense Analysis:
1. Income from Government Sources,
2. Expense from Government Sources,
3. Income and Expense from Government Sources,
4. Income and Expense from Other Sources, and
5. Income and Expenses from All Sources.
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Income Analysis - From Other Sources
Introduction
You will estimate your annual and monthly retirement income from other sources starting the first year of
retirement. You will then project your annual and monthly income in retirement to age 90. You can switch from a
yearly to a monthly view of all the income data.
Details
The Income from Other Sources is selected in the menu as shown.
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1. The Income from Other Sources is entered directly on this form - no input comes directly from the Benefits
Calculator.
2. Start by selecting the Source of the income as shown above. There are three general categories of income
sources: Savings, Job/Retirement Income, and Property.
3. Select a Savings source to calculate a periodic withdrawal from any type of savings or investment. For
example in the figure below, a withdrawal from a TSP Rollover investment is shown. In this case, the investment
(TSP Rollover) has grown to $443,231 at the start of the withdrawal period (see the TSP section in this manual).
The investment is expected to continue to grow 5.00% annually. The initial annual withdrawal is $20,000, and
the amount of annual withdrawal will increase 2.00% each year and is taxable ($20,000:Yes see below).
Retirement and withdrawal from this savings both begin at age 56, and the annual withdrawal will continue
through age 90.
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4. After selecting the STOP AGE, press the TAB key on the keyboard. The ADD button will become available.
Click on the ADD key (see above) and the entry will be displayed on the Income Analysis - Other Sources form.
5. After clicking on the ADD key, the following form appears.
The projection of the amount of Annual Income and the Remaining balance in the savings is calculated and
displayed. In the picture above, you can see that the savings will decrease each year (Remaining balance
column) even though the annual growth is 5.00%. Because of the level of the starting annual income ($20,000)
and the level of annual increases in withdrawals (2.00% each year), the savings balance cannot earn enough to
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keep up with the increasing annual withdrawals. The Remaining savings balance can remain the same or
increase each year by: (1) decreasing the initial annual income amount and/or (2) reducing the annual increases
in income.
6. In the example shown above, "Annual income: 20,000:Yes is displayed. The Yes indicates this is a taxable
income. Income from a different source may be non-taxable and will be displayed as $4700:No
7. If you want this report page, click on the Print button (shown above).
8. Click on the Monthly Income button to convert the annual amount to monthly amount.
Notes:
a. You must do this if you want monthly calculations on the Income Analysis - Other Sources
report page.
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b. All Taxable and Non-Taxable amounts are combined and sent to the Income Analysis (see
next section in this manual) part of the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer.
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8. Another source of income after retirement could be a part-time job. This can be added to the this form.
9. Select a Job / Retirement Income source to calculate income from a part-time job. For example in the figure
above, an income from a part-time job is shown. The annual income is $15,000 to start and it is expected to
grow 3% each year. The job duration extends from age 56 through age 60.
10. When the Job / Retirement Income entry is added, the following Annual Job Growth Income chart is
displayed and can be printed.
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11. Income from a Property can be added the same way as a Job/Retirement Income.
12. After you make an entry on the Income Analysis - Other Sources form, you can:
Recalculate it,
Edit it, or
Delete it
To do one of these, click an entry (for example, TSP Rollover show) and then select one of the three buttons.
a. By clicking on the Calculate button you will see the following
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b. The Edit button is used to make changes. After changes are made, press the Tab key to move to the
Stop Age field, then click on the ADD button.
c. By selecting the Delete button, the highlighted line (TSP Rollover shown here) will be deleted.
d. The TSP Rollover is removed as shown here.
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Federal Income and Inflation Analysis
Introduction
This form in the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer provides a comparison of today's income and expense
with income and expense the first year of retirement. Income and expense sources calculated in the Benefits
Calculator are automatically imported into this form. Additional expense found on your earnings and leave
statement (biweekly pay stub) can be manually added. The Benefits Calculator projections at retirement are also
imported into this form. The form compares Net Pay today with Initial Net income in retirement. An analysis of
the impact of inflation on calculated income at retirement is provided.
Details
1. Click on Income Analysis on the menu.
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2. The Federal Income Analysis - Monthly form collects data from the Benefits Calculator and displays it in the
colored fields on the form. The data in the colored fields cannot be changed on this form, however it can be
changed by adjusting entries on various Benefits Calculator forms.
3. Some expense (deductions) data can be entered in the blank, white fields on this form, and it is found on your
leave and earnings statement (biweekly pay statement).
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4. The retirement Federal and State income taxes are calculated by clicking on the two Estimate Tax buttons.
5. All Taxable and Non-Taxable entries come from the Income Other Sources form. The Taxable income is
used, in part, to calculate the retirement Federal and State income taxes estimation.
6. After entering your data, the Net Pay today can be compared with the monthly Net Income in the first year of
retirement. The Difference in Net Pay Today and Net Income in Retirement is displayed at the bottom of the
form. If retirement Net Income is less than today's Net Pay income, the field turns red (as shown). This indicates
a shortfall in retirement income.
7. To view the impact inflation will have in projected retirement income, click on the, "View Inflation Advisor,"
button at the bottom of the form (see above).
8. The inflation advisor form appears. Enter an Average Yearly Inflation Rate to view inflation impact on
retirement income.
9. The Taxable Income and the Non-Taxable Income from other sources come from the Retirement
Income/Expense Analyzer ==> Expense Other Sources form.
10. The data presented on both of these forms is made available to the report section of the program.
11.
Calculating Retirement Income Shortfall (example) :
1. The Net Monthly Pay today ($3,224.67 shown here) is usually consumed each month on all living expenses.
Therefore, it represents your needed income (standard of living) to maintain your lifestyle.
2. The available Net Income ($2,217.65 shown here) in retirement is less than the today's standard of living by
$1,007.02 (income shortfall shown here).
3. However, when inflation is considered, the actual shortfall of needed retirement income is calculated to be
$4,246.27 (shown here) in order to equal the purchasing power of today's net pay of $3,224.67. There is a
projected shortfall of $2,028.62 (shown here) of income ($4,246.27 needed - $2,217.65 available at retirement).
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Expense Analysis – From Other Sources
Introduction
You will estimate your annual and monthly retirement living expenses starting the first year of retirement. You
will then project your annual and monthly expense in retirement to age 90. You can switch from a yearly to a
monthly view of all the income data.
Details
The Expense from Other Sources is selected in the menu as shown here.
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1. The Expense from Other Sources is entered in the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer - no input comes
from the Benefits Calculator.
2. This form is used to enter all your living expenses in the retirement years. If you don't have a list of itemized
living expenses, you can use the, "Project Living Expense," button (shown here) to estimate them. Click on the
Project Living Expense button and view the pop-up message that projects your annual living expense (in the
example case, 8 years from now). The Living Expense projection at retirement was calculated in the Income
Analysis form (refer to "Calculating Retirement Income Shortfall" in Income Analysis on the previous page).
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2. Enter estimated retirement living expenses in the form. On the previous page, the expected living expense in
the first year of retirement is $50,955.30. Each year the amount of living expense is expected to grow 3.00%.
The expense begins at age 56 (age at retirement) and is calculated each year through age 90.
3. After typing the entries for an expense, press the TAB key on the keyboard when the cursor is in the STOP
AGE field. The ADD button will become available. Click on the ADD button, and the entry will be displayed on
the Expense Analysis - Other Sources form.
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4. After clicking on the ADD key, the following form appears.
The projection of the amount of Annual Living Expense is calculated and displayed. You can see that the living
expense continues to grow. This report page can be printed by selecting the PRINT button (not shown).
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5. After you make an entry on the Expense - Other Sources form, you can:
Recalculate it,
Edit it, or
Delete it
To do one of these, click on an entry (e.g., Automobile and select one of the three buttons.
a. By clicking on the Calculate button you will see the following
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b. The Edit Button will display the following. Make changes, press the TAB key from the Stop Age field,
then click on the ADD button.
c. By selecting the Delete button, the highlighted line will be deleted.
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Income and Expense Analysis
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Income Analysis – From Government Sources Only
Introduction
You will review your annual and monthly working years income (from today to retirement). You will review your
annual and monthly income in retirement to age 90. The retirement income analysis includes: Annuity, FERS
Supplement, CSRS Offset, Social Security, and TSP monthly withdrawal. The information presented on this
form comes from Benefits Calculator forms. You can switch from a yearly to a monthly view of all the income
data.
Details
The Income from Government Sources Only is selected in the menu that appears under Retirement
Income/Expense Analyzer.
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1. On the top half of the form you will view your Annual or Monthly Income before Retirement (starting with this
year’s salary) and after retirement. The annual income is taken from the Annuity ==> High 3 Average form in the
Benefits Calculator.
2. The Annuity data is taken from one of three Benefits Calculator Annuity forms (data must be entered on one
of these three forms before reviewing the Income Analysis form):
Annuity Calculation (CSRS),
Social Security – FERS Supplement (FERS and FERS Transfer), or
Social Security – CSRS Offset (CSRS Offset).
3. The Social Security data is taken from one of two Benefits Calculator Annuity forms (data must be entered on
one of these two forms before reviewing the Income Analysis form):
Social Security – FERS Supplement (FERS and FERS Transfer), or
Social Security – CSRS Offset (CSRS Offset).
4. TSP data is taken from the three Benefits Calculator TSP forms (data must be entered on each of these
three forms before reviewing the Income Analysis form):
Contributions,
Growth, and
Withdrawal
The TSP Withdrawal must be set to one of three options:
Monthly Payments ==> Payments,
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Monthly Payments ==> Monthly Amount, or
Monthly Payments ==> Life Expectancy (IRS)
Any other withdrawal setting will result in a blank TSP column
5. The Change column depicts a change in the total income from the previous year or month.
A Red field flags a negative Total change
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Expense Analysis – From Government Sources Only
Introduction
You will review your annual and monthly working years expenses (from today to retirement). You will review
your annual and monthly expenses in retirement to age 90. The retirement expense analysis includes: Annuity
Penalties, Survivor Benefit, FEGLI, Health insurance, Long Term Care insurance, state and federal Income
Taxes. The information presented on this form comes from the Benefits Calculator forms (except tax information
- it is added on this form). You can switch from a yearly to a monthly view of all the income data.
Details
The Expense from Government Sources Only is selected in the menu that appears under Retirement
Income/Expense Analyzer menu.
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1. On the top half of the form you will view your Annual or Monthly Expense before Retirement (starting this
year) and after retirement.
2. The Penalties and Survivor Benefit Cost data is taken from the Benefits Calculator Annuity ==> Annuity
Calculation form (data must be entered on one of this form before reviewing the Expense – Government
Sources form).
3. The FEGLI, Health and LTC data is taken from the respective forms in the Benefits Calculator (data must be
entered on one of these forms before reviewing the Expense – Government Sources form).
4. Income taxes before and after retirement can be imported from the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer ==>
Income Analysis form.
5. The Change column depicts a change in the total expense from the previous year or month. A Red field flags
a Total change of $2,000 or greater in increased expense per year
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Income and Expense Analysis – From Government Sources Only
Introduction
You will view your annual and monthly retirement income and expenses starting the first year of retirement. You
will then view projections of your annual and monthly income and expense in retirement to age 90. You can
switch from a yearly to a monthly view of all the income and expense data.
Details
The Income and Expenses from Government Sources is selected in the menu that appears under Retirement
Income/Expense Analyzer.
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1. The Income and Expense from Government Sources form gets its input from the Retirement Income/Expense
Analyzer: Income ==> Government Sources and Expense ==> Government Sources – no input is directly
gathered from the Benefits Calculator. In addition, no entries are made on this form.
2. All government sources of income (annuity, FERS supplement, social security, and TSP) are projected and
plotted each year on this form.
3. All government sources of expenses (retirement penalties, survivor benefit, FEGLI, Health, LTC, and federal
and state taxes) are projected and plotted each year on this form.
4. From the spreadsheet and the graph on the form above, it is helpful to look for periods when expense
becomes greater than income. In this case, expenses become greater than income starting at age 88.
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Income and Expense Analysis – From Other Sources
Introduction
This form will combine your annual and monthly income and expenses that come from other sources starting the
first year of retirement. It will then project your annual and monthly other income and other expenses in
retirement to age 90. You can switch from a yearly to a monthly view of all the income data.
Details
The Income and Expenses from Other Sources is selected in the menu that appears under Retirement
Income/Expense Analyzer.
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1. The Income and Expense from Other Sources gets its input from the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer:
Income Other Sources and Expense Other Sources – no input is gathered for it in the Benefits Calculator. In
addition, no entries are made on this form.
2. Other Income and Expenses are displayed together in the chart and graph.
3. You can display both yearly amounts and monthly amounts by selecting either from the two buttons in the
upper left corner of the form.
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Income and Expense Analysis – From All Sources
Introduction
This form will combine all your annual and monthly government related retirement income and expenses with all
other income and expenses starting the first year of retirement. The program will then project your retirement
income and expenses and other income and expenses in retirement to age 90. You can switch from a yearly to
a monthly view of all the income data.
Details
The Income and Expenses from All Sources is selected in the menu that appears under Income + Expense
Analysis.
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1. The Income and Expense from All Sources form gets its input from the Benefits Calculator and the Retirement
Income/Expense Analyzer. No entries are made on this form.
2. All sources of Income and Expense are displayed together in the chart and graph.
3. You can display both yearly amounts and monthly amounts by selecting either from the two buttons in the
upper left corner of the form.
4. This chart sums up all entries from the Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer. All
sources of income are compared with all sources of expenses. Therefore, it is the most critical of all forms in the
CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer. It displays the affordability of
your retirement plan.
5. If there are periods when expense is greater than income, then a critical look at all the factors impacting this
can be viewed on the many Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer forms. The income
versus expense gap can be narrowed by examining the income and expense sources and thinking about what
can be done with them (decreasing insurance, timing of retirement, increasing TSP savings, timing TSP and
social security withdrawal, timing the paying off of bills, cutting back on travel, and many other items). Changes
can be easily entered into the program. The results can be viewed in the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer
forms and the report pages. Many scenarios can be analyzed in this way so that you form a strategy for
achieving an affordable retirement.
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Fix Problems
Income Other Sources and/or Expenses Other Sources
Introduction
It is possible to make conflicting data entry errors in the Income Other Sources and Expenses Other Sources
forms in the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer. This will cause the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer to
prematurely exit from either form when they are first started. Therefore Fix Problems provides the capability to
remove data entry errors that cause conflicting data entry problem. Fix Problems should only be used if all other
efforts fail. We have found that if data is entered using the Procedure to Enter your Personal Data (found
at the front of this manual), these errors can be eliminated.
Details
1. Select Fix Problems in the Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer, if you have difficulties when you first enter
one of these forms and it refuses to display:
Income From Other Sources
Expenses From Other Sources
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2. When you select Fix Problems, the Fix: Other Income or Other Expense Problems pop-up form appears (see
above).
3. If you are having difficult with the Income From Other Sources, then first select the top Print button. The
following Other Sources of Income in Retirement form will be displayed so that you can Print this form for future
reference.
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4. Next, select the Delete button to remove all entries in the Income ==> Other Sources form.
5. Finally, select Income Other Sources and use the data that you printed in step 3 as a reference as you reenter your data on this form.
6. If you are having problems on the Expense From Other Sources form, then follow the procedure above.
7. If you are having problems on the Income and Expenses from Other Sources form, then follow the procedure
above for both forms: Income ==> Other Sources and Expense ==> Other Sources.
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Printing Reports
1. Select Reports Generator on the main menu.
2. You can then select the individual report page that you want to print (FREE Personal PLUS and Professional)
or view on the screen (only option for Personal FREE edition) from the report page menu. From the example
below, the Benefits Analysis – Cover page was selected.
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3. Select Setup Printer before you start printing to select a printer and to adjust printer properties.
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4. Select one of four PRINT buttons (available for FREE Personal PLUS and Professional editions only - printing
is not available in the Free edition):




Print Preview Page will print the page that is displayed on the screen at the right of these buttons.
Print Government Pages Report will print all government benefits report pages from the Benefits
Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer.
Print Non-Government Pages Report print all Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer non-government
income and expense form data.
Print Custom Report print all report pages selected on the Create Custom Report form (see the Create
A Custom Report section of this manual for detail).
5. Before printing, make sure you have entered data on the forms. You will get error messages if you do not do
this.
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Create Custom Report
(FREE Personal PLUS and Professional Editions)
Introduction
This feature defines a set of individual report pages that make up the pages that are part of your report.
Details
1. To create a custom report select Reports Generator on the main menu.
2. After opening the Report Generator program, you should familiarize yourself with the report pages. The menu
of report pages is listed in the upper-left corner of the Report Generator program.
3. Click on each report page to view it on screen.
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4. After you are familiar with all available report pages, select Create Custom Report from the menu in the
Report program.
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5. The Create Custom Report – Page Selection form will appear.
6. Select the report pages that you want. Finally, press the Save Custom Report button.
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7. Next, click on the Print Custom Report button.
8. All selected pages on the Custom Report – Page Selection form (see #5 and #6 above) will be printed.
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Print the Custom Federal Employee Benefits Analysis
(FREE Personal PLUS and Professional editions only)
Introduction
You will create the Federal Employee Benefits Analysis custom report in an Adobe Acrobat Reader file. The
Adobe Feature was requested by many professional customers so that updated reports could be created and
then sent to clients as an email attachment. The Professional and the FREE Personal PLUS customers can use
this feature to make changes on various forms and then print a report in an Adobe Acrobat file. This process can
be repeated many times. The Adobe reports can then be viewed to analyze the consequences of each change.
Details
1. Before continuing, please see the Create Custom Report section of this document.
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2. Click on the Print Custom Report button (see above). The following message will appear after a few seconds.
3. After clicking on the OK button, the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program will automatically start and display the
report.
4. You can send the report as an email attachment by clicking on the email symbol in the Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
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5. Your email program should start.
6. You can then: (1) enter the email address of your client, (2) change the Subject if you like, (3) enter a
message in the body of the email, and (4) press the Send button to email your updated report to your client.
7. You can save your Adobe report file by clicking on the icon shown or click on File ==> Save A Copy option in
the Adobe menu.
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Import Personal Data from an Earlier Program
(FREE Personal and FREE Personal PLUS)
Introduction
If you have an earlier version of the Free Personal edition or FREE Personal PLUS edition of the CSRS and
FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Planner, you may be able to import your personal data files from it
into the FREE Personal and FREE Personal PLUS editions of the Version 11 program.
Details
1. If you have not entered your personal data into the Version 11 program, when you click File you will see,
"Import Personal Data Files." If you have entered your personal data, then this menu option will not be visible.
2. Next, you will see the personal data files import menu. In this example, the 2007 through 2010 programs are
installed on the user's computer and contain personal data.
3. Select the year of the program that contains the personal data to import. Then click on the Import button.
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4. After the data files are imported, you will see the, "Import Complete," message. You are now ready to work
with your imported data files.
5. Review the Getting Started section of this document for assistance in using the Version 11 program.
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Professional Features
 Data Files
 Client Data
 Client Data File Operations
 Place Client Data in a Client Folder
 Retrieve Client Data from a Client Folder
 Delete a Client Folder
 List Client Folders in a Spreadsheet
 Send Client Folders to Another Office – New 2011
 Receive Client Folder from Another Office – New 2011
 Remove Client Data from All Forms
 View Sample Client Data
 Import Client Folders from Previous Versions of the Software
 Customizing Report Cover and Disclaimer Pages
 Print Client Fact Finder Forms
 View Advisor Information
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Data Files
1. As you enter personal data, the Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer programs
create and store your personal data automatically in small data files. These files are stored on the hard drive.
The files are referred to as CURRENT DATA.
2. The data files are used by the various input forms and report pages to convert personal data into information.
The Benefits Calculator and Retirement Analyzer program forms and the Reports Generator gather data from
these forms, and combine, calculate and project the gathered data to create information and graphics for your
analysis.
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Client Data File Operations
Place Client Data in a Client Folder
1. You can save the client data you are currently working on in a client file folder on your computer's hard drive.
2. The name of the client you are working on is displayed in the box that is titled, "You are currently working on
this Client." In this case, Sue Smith
3. To save the client you are working on (Sue Smith):
(a) Enter a Client Folder name or number in the window titled Client Folder. The recommended method
is a numbering system (e.g., first client could be 0001 and the second could be 0002.). Sid Green will be stored
with a client folder 0121 (see form above) since it is the next available number.
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(b) Next click on the Save Client Data button. This will store the client's data in a Client folder and you
will see a message similar to this.
(c) Next, this message will appear
(1) After you have saved your client's data to a client folder and you are ready to enter data for a
different client, you must select YES to remove the current client's data (Sue Smith) from the software
forms.
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Client Data File Operations
Retrieve Client Data from Client Folder
You can retrieve a client's data from the client folder and place it on all the Benefits Calculator and Retirement
Analyzer forms by first clicking on the Client's Name (Christina in the example below) in the spreadsheet then
click on the Retrieve Client Data button
Caution: This will overwrite all data that you are currently working on the Benefits Calculator and
Retirement Analyzer forms. In this case, Christina's data (Client Folder 0115) will replace data in the the
Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer forms if the data has not been previously
removed from the program forms.
1. Click on the client's name that you want to retrieve (in this case Christina)
2. All Benefits Calculator and Retirement Analyzer forms will then contain the personal data of the retrieved
client (in this case Christina).
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Client Data File Operations
Delete a Client Folder
You can remove old/unwanted client files:
1. Find the client folder that you want to delete in the spreadsheet, and
2. Click on the client name (e.g., Thad),
3. The Client Folder will appear in the Client Folder box, and
4. Finally, click on the Delete button.
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Client Data File Operations
List All Clients in a Spreadsheet
If you would like a copy of your client folders, select, “List All Clients in a Spreadsheet.” A spreadsheet will be
created that lists: (1) Client Folder, (2) Client Name, and (3) Last Date Client Folder was updated. Once the list
is completed, it should pop-up in your Spreadsheet program.
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Client Data File Operations
Send A Client Folder to Another Office by Email
If you want to sent a client folder to another individual, then do the following:
1. Select the name of the client (example Sue Smith) in the Client list,
2. Enter your email in the FROM window (see above),
3. Enter the email of the individual that will receive your client folder (see above),
4. Select the blue Email button (see above), and
5. Your should see the following message.
NOTE: The zipped client file is encrypted and can only by accessed and read by the CSRS-FERS Benefits
Calculator program (see next section).
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Client Data File Operations
Receive A Client Folder that was Sent by Email
A. To receive a client folder that was sent to you by email, follow the procedure in the email (see sample below)
that was sent in the previous section:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Sample Email
Subject: CSRS-FERS Benefits Calculator Client File: Sue Smith
From: [email protected]
To:
[email protected]
From: Your Name
Please, follow this procedure to import my CSRS-FERS Benefits Calculator generated client folder, Sue Smith,
into your computer.
1. In the CSRS-FERS Benefits Calculator, go to: PROFESSIONAL ==> CLIENT DATA ==> CLIENT DATA
FILES OPERATIONS
2. Copy the name of my Client zip file: SueSmith40376.zip
3. Paste the name of my Client zip file, SueSmith40376.zip, in the, Enter the name of the client zip file here,
window
4. Click on the, Retrieve the client zip file that was sent to me by email, button.
5. This will add, Sue Smith to your client folder list.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
B. This message will appear stating that the client file sent by email is now available to access.
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C. Click on the Client Name (Sue Smith – see below).
D. The Client folder will be placed into the Client Folder window (SueSmith40376 – see below).
E. Finally, click on the Retrieve button so that the the emailed client data can be: (1) accessed, (2)edited and
(3) a report can be created.
NOTE: The zipped client file is encrypted and can only by accessed and read by the CSRS-FERS Benefits
Calculator program (see above). Zip programs will not be able to access the encrypted zip file.
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Client Data File Operations
Remove Client Data From All Forms
Introduction
When you have finished entering client data in the program, and your are ready to enter data for another client,
you must erase the current client's data (data that exists in the Benefits Calculator and Retirement Analyzer
forms) so that new data can be entered.
Details
1. Select Remove Client Data from All Forms as shown above. This will delete all your current client's data from
the Benefits Calculator and Retirement Analyzer forms.
2. Before you do this, you should store your current client's data (see “Place Client Data in a Client
Folder” above) in a client folder so that you can access it in the future if needed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must execute “Remove Client Data from All Forms” before you enter new client
information. If you do not do this, then you could mix current client data with new client data. We have found that
failure to erase current data to be the most common problem with our new customers.
3. You will see this message after you select “Remove Client Data from All Forms.”
4. If you select OK on the message above, you will see a message that looks similar to this.
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Client Data File Operations
View Sample Client Data
Introduction
Sample client data is provided so that you can examine the CSRS-FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement
Analyzer data on each form. The four-page Federal Benefits Data Collection Form (towards the front of this
manual) contains the sample data. In addition the data shown on all the forms in this manual contains this same
data.
Details
1. Select the View Sample Data as shown above.
2. A message, shown here, will be displayed.
3. Follow the instructions on the message.
4. If you select OK on the message above, then you should see this message next.
5. You can now view and manipulate the sample data on the forms in the program.
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Client Data File Operations
Import Client Folders from Previous Versions of the Software
Introduction
This professional feature provides a way to import client files from previous versions of the CSRS and FERS
Benefits Calculator that are stored on this computer. If you have client folders stored on another computer(s),
contact Decision Support Software LLC, and ask for a procedure to import client folders installed on a different
computer from the one that you are using to run the 2011 software – Click Here for assistance.
Details
1. Select “Import Clients From Previous Years,” as shown.
2. The Benefits Calculator will search for installations from previous years of the software on the computer that
runs the software. For example, the program will search for all versions of the software from 2000 through 2010.
If previous Benefits Calculator versions are found, the year and number of client files will be displayed. An
example search shows:
3 clients in the 2010 software
1 client in the 2009 software
110 clients in the 2008 software
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3. After the client folders are imported, you will see a message similar to this.
4. You can now access the imported client folders as described in the Retrieve Client Data in a Client Folder
section of this manual.
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Customizing Report Cover and Disclaimer Pages
Introduction
This part of the program provides the Professional User with an option to add custom wording at the bottom of
the Cover report page and the same or different wording on the Disclaimer report page. Each line can contain
105 characters. The data entered will appear just above the footer on the appropriate page.
Details
1. To access this option: (1) Select Professional from the top menu, and (2) Custom Report Cover Page.
2. The Custom Statements - Cover and Disclaimer Report Pages form appears.
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3. Type the text you would like on the Cover Page on one or more of the five lines provided. Do the same for the
Disclaimer Page on one or more of the five lines provided.
4. Although five lines are provided for the Cover Page and the Disclaimer Page, more than five lines can be
printed on these pages by inserting a semicolon as shown in the example below.
a. The following is entered on the Disclamer Page - line 1 (see picture on previous page):
This report covers the following:;Estimated retirement annuity and the survivor annuity (optional),
b. When the cover page is created, line 1 is appears as three lines:
This report covers the following:
Estimated retirement annuity and the survivor annuity (optional),
c. This appears on the Disclaimer page from the data entered in the example on the previous page:
5. Select whether the text will be Center or Left Justified.
6. When you are finished, click the OK button.
7. Next, select Report Generator under the File menu.
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8. You can then select either the Cover or Disclaimer page to view.
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9. If you decide you do not want the text on one or both pages, you can click on the Clear Cover or Clear
Disclaimer button then press OK.
10. The data entered on the form above is not removed from one client to the next. Therefore, change this data,
if appropriate each time you enter data for a different client.
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Data Collection Form
The four page Data Collection Form can be accessed as shown above. In addition you can access if your click
here.
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View Advisor Information
1. When you run the Benefits Calculator for the first time, you entered professional information.
2. Once this information is entered in the program, it cannot be changed. It is very important to check your work
for errors before exiting this feature. The agent information you entered will be formatted and displayed on the
front cover of all reports you prepare for your clients. In addition, the company name you entered will be
displayed as a footer on all pages after the cover page.
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License
The CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer program (hereafter
Calculator, Program or Software) and documentation are copyrighted material. The use and copying of this
product are subject to a single user on a single computer license agreement between Decision Support
Software LLC (hereafter DSS) and the purchaser. Any other use is prohibited. No part of this program and
associated documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or
translated into any language in any form by any means without the prior written consent of Decision Support
Software LLC. This program is not licensed to be used on a network. Federal Copyright law permits you to make
a backup of this software for archival purposes only. Any other duplication of this software, including copies
offered through sale, loan, rental or gift is in violation of law, and subject to both criminal and civil penalties.
You acknowledge that DSS is the owner of the software and related documents and that the software and
related documents are protected by U.S. Copyright laws and international treaty provisions. You acknowledge
that you may not copy the software or related documents, nor may you download or transmit the software,
electronically, via disc or via any other means, except as provided for by this license.
You acknowledge that you may not reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble or otherwise derive source code
from the software. You acknowledge that you may not provide your unlock code to any person not authorized to
use the software by this license. You acknowledge that you may not alter or remote any copyright or proprietary
rights notice or identification which indicates DSS’ ownership of any part of the software or related documents.
If you have any questions regarding this license, you may contact us by writing DSS LLC at the following
address:
Decision Support Software LLC
P.O. Box 2368
Granite Bay, CA 95746
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Disclaimer and Limitations of Liability
The CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer program illustrate
estimates of cost and benefits for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), the Federal Employees
Retirement System (FERS), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP),
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), and Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance. Some estimates
are based on assumptions, which may affect the results, and may differ from actual experience. Since future
costs and benefits cannot be projected with absolute certainty, you should not base your financial decisions
solely on the estimates of this program, and it is recommended to consult with your personnel office or the Office
of Personnel Management (OPM), Retirement Information Office 1-888-767-6738.
Neither DSS nor anyone else who has been involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the CSRS and
FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer program shall be liable for any indirect,
consequential, or incidental damages (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of business or personal
profits, business or personal interruption, and loss of business or personal information) arising from the use of
(or inability to use) the CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense Analyzer
program.
Limited Warranty: DSS warrants only that the physical media and physical documentation enclosed herein are
free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of license, and no
other warranties apply. If you notify DSS within the warranty period and DSS determines that such defects fall
within the limited warranty provided by this license, DSS, at its option will repair or replace the defective media
and/or documentation or refund you the amount you paid for a license of the software and/or related documents.
The entire and exclusive liability and remedy for breach of this limited warranty shall be limited to replacement of
the defective media and/or documentation or refund of the full license price of the software and/or related
documents. In no event shall DSS’ liability exceed the amount of money you paid to license the software. DSS’
liability shall not extend to any claim for any other damages, including but not limited to, loss of profit, data or
use of the software, or special, incidental, or consequential damages or other similar claims.
To the extent allowable by law, DSS specifically disclaims any and all other warranties, express or implied,
including but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. To the
extent allowable by law, the limited warranties provided herein shall terminate thirty (30) days from the date of
first delivery of the software to you. You agree to assume full and sole responsibility for the selection of the
software to achieve your intended purposes, for the proper installation, use of the software and verifying the
results and output obtained from the use of the software and related documents. DSS does not warrant that the
program will meet your requirements or that the program is error-free.
Limitation/disclaimer of liability: You acknowledge and agree that, unless and only to the extent a disclaimer of
any particular liability is prohibited by applicable law, neither DSS nor anyone else who has been involved in the
creation, production, or delivery of the CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Income/Expense
Analyzer program shall be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, punitive or consequential damages,
including but not limited to damages for loss of profits or confidential or other information, legal malpractice,
business interruption, personal injury, loss of privacy, failure to meet any duty including that of good faith or of
reasonable care, negligence, and any other loss, pecuniary or otherwise, that may arise out of use, misuse or
the inability to use the software and related documents, even if DSS has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. You acknowledge that DSS is not engaged in rendering legal or financial advice and the software and
the related documents are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney or financial advisor. DSS shall have no
liability for your misuse of the software, or errors that you may make in connection with using the software.
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Support
Benefits Calculator Personal Free edition
No email or phone support is provided however our website may have the answers to your questions.
http://www.fedretiresoftware.com contains product information,
http://www.fedretiresoftware.com/FAQ.htm contains frequently asked questions, and
http://www.fedretiresoftware.com/Support.htm contains technical support solutions.
Benefits Calculator FREE Personal PLUS and Professional editions
Questions concerning the operation of the program are answered without limitations and without cost to you:
Website: Look here first. It takes the least amount of time and contains answers to many questions.
http://www.fedretiresoftware.com contains product information,
http://www.fedretiresoftware.com/FAQ.htm contains frequently asked questions, and
http://www.fedretiresoftware.com/Support.htm contains technical support solutions.
Tech Support: If you can find an answer to your questions on our website, the submit a Support Form
to us. You must be specific in your questions. Frequently, a program message with a Reference Number will be
displayed when something unusual happens. Please, refer to the Reference Number and give supporting
details.
Question Types
Program Related:
We will answer all questions relating to the operation of the program, and we will provide
supplemental help in understanding any aspect of the operation of the program. There is no charge for this
service (see limitations above). Please, submit a Support Form to us.
Retirement Benefits Related:
We are not licensed to answer questions relating to interpretation of retirement law, retirement
rules, retirement benefits calculations, etc. Sources available to help with these types of questions:
Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738.
They have a large collection of retirement pamphlets and materials available for free reading or Downloading
from their website: http://www.opm.gov/retire/.
My Federal Retirement – Online guide to federal employee benefits and retirement planning.
http://www.myfederalretirement.com
FedSmith for the Informed Fed - Daily newsletter covering interest items to federal employees.
http://www.fedsmith.com
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