The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) became effective on January 1, 1987, for all Federal civilian employees hired on or after the effective date.
Created in 1920, The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) was replaced by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) as of January 1, 1987.
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) was established by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 to offer advantages similar to private sector 401(k) plans.
Programs include the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Federal Long Term Care Insurance (FLTCIP).
FERS employees pay taxes contributing to the Social Security and Medicare systems and are eligible for both programs combined with their Federal benefits.