MRA+10
MRA+10 retirement in plain English
How MRA+10 retirement fits into FERS planning and why immediate versus postponed timing matters.
Short answer
MRA+10 can be available when someone has reached MRA with at least 10 years of service, but the planning question is often whether the annuity starts immediately or is postponed.
This page explains concepts for planning. It is not an official eligibility decision and is not affiliated with OPM.
Last reviewed 2026-04-25
The basic idea
MRA+10 is a FERS path for employees who have reached their minimum retirement age and have at least 10 years of creditable service, but do not meet the longer-service requirements for an unreduced immediate retirement.
The key planning question is not only whether MRA+10 is available. It is also when the annuity starts.
Example: born in 1968 with 17 years of service
Imagine someone born in 1968 with 17 years of creditable service and a high-three salary estimate of $95,000. Their minimum retirement age is 56 and 8 months, so MRA+10 may be the path they are testing if they do not have enough service for regular immediate retirement.
The planning question is whether to start the annuity right away or postpone it, such as waiting until age 62. The same high-three and service history can lead to a different monthly outcome depending on when the annuity starts.
Immediate versus postponed
An immediate MRA+10 annuity may be reduced if it starts before age 62. OPM describes the reduction as five percent per year, or 5/12 of one percent per month, for months before age 62.
A postponed MRA+10 annuity can delay the start date. That timing question can affect reductions and benefit-continuation planning, so it deserves careful review.
How to plan with it
Use MRA+10 planning to compare dates, clarify questions, and understand what information you need before talking with your agency benefits office.
Do not use a planning page alone to decide whether to separate. Health coverage, life insurance, survivor elections, and cash-flow timing can all matter.
Immediate vs postponed MRA+10 example
| Question | Immediate MRA+10 | Postponed MRA+10 |
|---|---|---|
| Example facts | Born in 1968, 17 years of service, high-three salary estimate of $95,000 | Same facts, but the annuity start date is delayed |
| What changes | The annuity may start right away, but an age reduction may apply before age 62 | The start date can be delayed to reduce or avoid the age reduction, depending on timing |
| What to confirm | How the reduction applies and how benefits are handled at separation | When the annuity would start and what happens to FEHB / FEGLI timing |