Federal severance pay calculator
The OPM formula for federal employees — basic allowance, the over-40 age adjustment, and the 52-week cap — plus your after-tax take-home. Runs in your browser.
FICA applies to FERS employees; CSRS employees don't pay Social Security, so their take-home is a little higher. Estimate only.
How federal severance is calculated.
- Basic allowance. 1 week of basic pay for each of your first 10 years of creditable civilian service; 2 weeks for each year beyond 10; plus 25% of the weekly amount for each extra full 3 months of service.
- Age adjustment. The basic allowance is increased by 2.5% for each full 3-month period you are over age 40.
- Cap. Total severance can't exceed 52 weeks of pay, with a lifetime limit of 52 weeks.
Applies to involuntary separations (including RIF) where you're not eligible for an immediate annuity. Withholding is estimated at the flat 22% federal supplemental rate + FICA + your state; educational only, not legal or tax advice.
- 5 U.S.C. § 5595 — severance pay
- 5 CFR 550.707 — computation
- OPM — severance pay fact sheet
- IRS Pub. 15 — supplemental withholding
Not a federal employee? Use the standard severance calculator →
Federal severance FAQ
How is federal severance pay calculated?
The OPM formula gives 1 week of basic pay for each of your first 10 years of civilian service and 2 weeks for each year beyond 10, plus 25% for each extra full 3 months of service. That basic allowance is then increased by an age adjustment of 2.5% for every full 3 months you are over age 40. Total severance is capped at 52 weeks of pay.
What is the age adjustment for federal severance?
If you are over 40, your basic severance allowance is increased by 2.5% for each full three-month period of age beyond 40 — so being several years past 40 can add a large amount.
Is there a cap on federal severance pay?
Yes. Total severance pay cannot exceed 52 weeks (one year) of basic pay, and there is a lifetime limit of 52 weeks across all federal severance you receive.
Do RIF and involuntary separations use the same formula?
Yes. Federal employees involuntarily separated (including through a Reduction in Force) and not eligible for an immediate annuity generally receive severance under this same OPM formula.