Military Service, and Its Effects on CSRS, FERS, and Social Security Survivor Benefits A deceased employee's or retiree's military service performed on or after January 1, 1957, must be applied toward any benefits his or her survivors receive from Social Security. Depending on several factors, post-1956 military service may also be used under CSRS. Click here for more information on applying post-1956 military service toward CSRS survivor benefits. Generally, creditable military service performed before 1957 is used in the computation of a CSRS or FERS survivor annuity. It is important to note that, unlike an employee who does not have a choice, a survivor annuitant may elect to have military service between September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1956, used in computing Social Security benefits instead of a CSRS or FERS survivor annuity. Click the Next arrow to continue.

Office of Personnel Management Site Index A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1900 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20415-1000 | (202) 606-1800 | TTY (202) 606-2532 Contact Us | Forms | FAQ's | Products & Services