What is the difference between deferred and postponed FERS retirement?

By the FERS Made Easy editorial team · Last reviewed Oct 2026

Deferred retirement is for people who leave with at least 5 years but are not eligible for an immediate annuity; the pension starts later at 62 (or MRA with 30, 60 with 20), and FEHB generally does not continue. Postponed retirement is for MRA+10-eligible people who delay the start to avoid the age reduction, and FEHB/FEGLI can be restored when it begins.

Sources

• OPM: FERS Eligibility