The best dates to retire in 2025
Your annual guide to choosing an optimal day to start the next phase of your life.
Download the Best Dates to Retire Calendar
It's finally here! You are old enough and have enough service to retire. You have also determined that you can afford to retire! Now, all that is left to determine is the best date to retire. This is item #2 in Section B of the retirement application. All you have to do is insert your date of final separation… also known as your retirement date!
Voluntary (CSRS, CSRS Offset, and FERS) retirement benefits commence the first day of the month after you separate from service if you have met the age and service requirements. Of course, the last day of each month is seldom at the end of the week, or the end of a leave period for that matter, but regardless of which day of the week the last day of the month falls on, you will receive credit for each day through close of business of the day you make your retirement effective (even if it is a holiday).
Example: James is planning to retire on Sat., May 31, 2026 (or Fri., May 30, 2026), after 24 years of service at age 60. This is the end of leave period 10. Although James will reach his 60th birthday on May 14, he will wait to retire until the last day of May so that he will receive his salary through May 31. His retirement won’t commence until June 1 regardless of whether he retires on May 14 or May 31. James will be paid his full biweekly salary for leave period 10 and he will accrue his final leave accrual for this period (8 hours of annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave). His first monthly retirement benefit payment will be for the month of June with the payment due on July 1.
Here is a calendar to help you plan your best date for 2025 retirement.