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Is a civil service annuity a lifetime benefit?

Over 50% of federal retirees and their dependents receive benefits from the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). In both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a civil service annuity is structured as a lifetime benefit, providing a secure, monthly income for the rest of a retired federal employee's life. However, its exact duration and survivorship features depend on the specific retirement system and any elections made by the employee.