Key Takeaways
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Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) receive enhanced retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), allowing for earlier retirement and a more generous pension formula.
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Your eligibility and benefits depend on your years of service, age at retirement, and specific rules tied to the special retirement provisions for LEOs.
Understanding the Unique Path of a Law Enforcement Career
- Also Read: Medicare Isn’t Just for Retirees—Here’s Why Federal Employees Should Still Pay Attention
- Also Read: FERS Changes You’ll Want to Know Before You File for Retirement
- Also Read: From Clocking In to Retiring Out: Postal Workers Are Asking These 3 Questions
What Makes a Law Enforcement Officer Retirement Different?
Federal LEOs fall under a category of employees with special retirement provisions. These provisions include:
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Earlier retirement eligibility
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A higher pension accrual rate
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Mandatory retirement age
These advantages are meant to compensate for the physical and emotional toll of law enforcement work, and to ensure a healthy, capable workforce.
Eligibility Rules That Set You Apart
To retire under the LEO special provisions in 2025, you must meet these eligibility criteria:
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You must have at least 20 years of service in a qualifying law enforcement position
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You must retire at age 50 or older, or at any age with 25 years of qualifying LEO service
If you don’t meet the 20-year threshold, you may still retire under regular FERS rules, but you won’t receive the enhanced LEO benefits.
Mandatory Retirement Age
Unlike most federal employees, you’re subject to mandatory retirement at age 57 if you’ve completed at least 20 years of qualifying service. This applies to:
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Federal law enforcement officers
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Firefighters
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Air traffic controllers
Waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis, but they are limited. Generally, this ensures that individuals in physically demanding roles remain capable of performing their duties.
How Your Annuity is Calculated
LEOs receive a more favorable pension formula than regular FERS employees. Here’s how it breaks down in 2025:
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1.7% of your high-3 average salary for your first 20 years of LEO service
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1.0% of your high-3 average salary for each additional year of service
The high-3 average is calculated based on your highest-paid consecutive 36 months of federal service. This could significantly increase your pension compared to a non-LEO retiring at the same salary and years of service.
Access to the FERS Special Retirement Supplement
Another benefit that’s exclusive to LEOs is the Special Retirement Supplement (SRS). This payment bridges the gap between your retirement and your eligibility for Social Security at age 62. The SRS:
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Is available only if you retire before age 62 under LEO provisions
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Is calculated as an estimate of your Social Security benefit earned through federal service
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Ends when you turn 62, regardless of whether you begin claiming Social Security
You may lose part or all of this supplement if you earn income above the Social Security earnings limit, which in 2025 is $23,480.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Contributions and Catch-Up Options
As an LEO, you’re also enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is a defined contribution plan similar to a 401(k). In 2025, the TSP contribution limits are:
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$23,500 for elective deferrals
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An additional $7,500 for employees aged 50 and older
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A special catch-up limit of $11,250 for employees aged 60 to 63
You receive agency contributions as part of your total retirement package, which can grow into a significant source of income in retirement, especially if you’ve contributed consistently over your career.
Health Insurance After Retirement
If you’re enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program at the time of retirement and have had coverage for at least five years, you can carry FEHB into retirement. Your premiums will continue, but the federal government still pays about 70% of the total cost. This includes Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self and Family plans.
For those eligible for Medicare at age 65, combining FEHB with Medicare Part A and Part B can lead to lower out-of-pocket expenses, but you’re not required to enroll in Part B. Many retired LEOs choose to keep both for broader coverage.
Life Insurance Options Under FEGLI
You may continue your Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage after retirement if you:
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Are enrolled in FEGLI when you retire
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Have had FEGLI coverage for the five years immediately preceding retirement
However, your premiums will increase significantly as you age. You’ll have the option to reduce or drop coverage post-retirement to manage costs.
What About Disability Retirement?
If you become disabled before reaching retirement age and have at least 18 months of creditable federal civilian service, you may qualify for FERS disability retirement. For LEOs, the benefit calculation mirrors that of other FERS employees:
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60% of your high-3 salary in the first year
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40% in subsequent years, until age 62
After age 62, your benefits are recalculated as if you had worked until that age, incorporating both service years and average salary.
Survivor Benefits and Death-in-Service Provisions
FERS provides survivor benefits for your spouse and eligible children. If you die while still employed and have at least 18 months of service, your spouse may receive:
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A basic death benefit
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A survivor annuity
If you’re already retired, you can elect a survivor benefit at the time of retirement. This reduces your annuity but provides ongoing income to your spouse after your death.
When Should You Start Planning?
Ideally, you should begin planning for retirement at least 5 to 10 years in advance. This gives you time to:
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Evaluate your expected FERS annuity
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Maximize your TSP contributions
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Decide on life insurance and health coverage
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Prepare for the transition into retirement
Working with a financial professional familiar with LEO benefits can help you fine-tune your strategy and avoid costly missteps.
Recent Changes and Future Outlook
In 2025, several policy shifts and updates affect your retirement planning:
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The earnings limit for the Special Retirement Supplement increased to $23,480
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TSP contribution limits increased due to inflation adjustments
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More LEOs are coordinating FEHB with Medicare Part B for cost savings
Stay informed through your agency’s human resources office and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make sure you’re making decisions based on the most current policies.
Take Advantage of the Benefits You’ve Earned
As a law enforcement officer, you’ve spent your career in a high-risk, high-responsibility role. Your retirement benefits reflect the government’s recognition of that commitment. By understanding how your pension, health coverage, and supplemental income options work together, you can step confidently into the next phase of life.
Take action early and stay proactive. Retirement isn’t just a date—it’s a process. If you want to make the most of your LEO benefits, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website who can provide personalized advice tailored to your situation.
