CSRS Overview

Classification	Generally, all federal and postal employees hired before 1984  (unless they opted for FERS coverage in one of the open seasons in 1987 or 1998)
Benefits	Annuity offering guaranteed lifetime retirement income with a survivor benefit annuity option
Employee contributions	Regular employees: 7.0% to CSRS Retirement & Disability Trust Fund 1.45% to Medicare   There is no contribution to Social Security Special employee groups: (law enforcement, firefighters, air traffic controllers)  7.5% to CSRS REtirement & Disablity Trust Fund 1.45% to Medicare   There is no contribution to Social Security
Thrift Savings Plan	CSRS employees can contribute up to $15,500 (in 2008) of basic pay per year.  There are no matching contributions to the TSP from the government for CSRS employees.