The Bridge Test — FERS Supplement Earnings Calculator

Step 1 — Your numbers

Tell us where you stand

Use OPM's estimate of your Social Security benefit at 62 — not your SSA statement — since that's the figure OPM uses to calculate your supplement.

Estimated monthly SS benefit at 62 ($) From your OPM retirement estimate, not SSA.gov

Years of FERS-covered service Rounded down to whole years under OPM rules

Your age at retirement Supplement ends automatically at 62

Expected earned income this year ($) Wages or self-employment only — see note below

I retired as a Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, or Air Traffic Controller

Special-category retirees are exempt from the earnings test until reaching their standard FERS MRA.

Step 2 — Your result

Where you land on the bridge

Based on the 2026 Social Security earnings-test threshold of $24,480.

Safe to earn up to

before your supplement starts shrinking this year.

Estimated gross supplement

$0/mo

Reduction from earnings

$0/yr

Net supplement after hit

$0/mo

Your bridge to 62

Retirement → Age 62

Full supplement Reduced payment window Age 62 — supplement ends

Timing: OPM mails your earnings report (Form RI 92-22) each April/May. If a reduction applies, it typically begins with your July annuity payment.

What counts: Only wages and self-employment income count toward this test. Your FERS pension, TSP withdrawals, investment income, rental income, and Social Security itself do not count — and do not reduce your supplement.

This isn't a deferral: unlike Social Security's own earnings test, a FERS Supplement reduction is not returned to you later. Once it's reduced, it's gone.

Want the FEHB-to-Medicare guide when it's ready?

No spam — just a heads-up when the next bridge-year tool drops.

You're on the list — thank you.

Current law only, subject to change: figures reflect the 2026 Social Security earnings-test threshold ($24,480) and current FERS Supplement rules as of publication. Proposals to phase out or eliminate the FERS Supplement for future retirees have been discussed in federal budget conversations for several years and could resurface at any time — this calculator will be updated if the law changes, but always confirm your specific numbers with OPM or a federal retirement specialist before making income decisions. This tool is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.