For the full retirement benefit, you must be 62 years old at retirement or, if you have 30 years of credited service, you may retire as early as age 55. Retirement is a big step, and this checklist will help prepare you to take that step with confidence.To be eligible, you must have been employed on a full-time basis for at least 3 years leading up to the entry into phased retirement. Learn about the filing rules for married couples regarding retirement and spouses benefits that will help you decide when to claim your benefits. If you have not reached your 20 years covered Law Enforcement or Fire Fighter service and reach the age 57, you must retire in the month you reach your 20 years. Service retirement can be effective upon either age eligibility plus 10 years of CS, or completion of CS years regardless of age. Use the directions on this page to help you complete your application form. Congress created the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 1986, and it became effective on January 1, 1987. Local government employees covered under public retirement systems that meet certain requirements. (Known as the Rule of 80).