Department of Veterans Affairs
Retirement Guidance for VA Employees
For VA clinical and administrative staff — including Title 38, hybrid, and pure FERS positions — these are the planning questions we hear most often.
Common Pain Points for VA Employees
- Understanding Title 38 hybrid retirement rules vs. pure FERS
- Factoring Physician Pay and Special Salary Rates into your high-3
- Coordinating retirement with healthcare eligibility
- Using TSP catch-up contributions in the final years before retirement
- Evaluating private-practice transitions alongside TSP strategy
How We Help VA Employees
Title 38 Hybrid — Key Concepts
Title 38 and hybrid positions have different leave, retirement, and compensation rules than pure FERS. Knowing which category your position falls under is the first step in any planning conversation.
High-3 Salary
Your FERS annuity uses the highest average basic pay over any 3 consecutive years of creditable service. Market pay, special salary rates, and locality typically count; bonuses generally don't.
Transitions To or From Private Practice
Changing between VA employment and private practice has tax, pension, and benefit continuation implications worth understanding before making the move.
Questions VA Employees Ask
How is my high-3 calculated if my pay varies?
Your high-3 is the highest average basic pay over any 3 consecutive years of creditable service. Market pay, special salary rates, and locality typically count; bonuses generally do not.
Do I keep VA healthcare after I retire?
VA civilian employees don't receive VA healthcare as an employment benefit. If eligible, you can continue FEHB, which coordinates with Medicare at 65.
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