Leave service versus retirement service
One person can have two different service dates. Time that counts toward how fast you earn annual leave may not count toward your pension, and time that you can buy back for retirement may already count for leave. The tool separates what is credited now, what is waiting on a deposit or redeposit, and what needs verification, so you know what to ask your agency or OPM.
Related tools
- Exact service length for months between two dates.
- FERS pension calculator once you know your service.
- Military buyback calculator for the cost of the deposit.
- Refund redeposit calculator for refunded civilian service.
- Federal leave calculator for accrual and the lump-sum payout.
Frequently asked questions
What is a service computation date?
A service computation date (SCD) is an actual or constructed date, based on how long you have been in federal service, that determines a benefit. There are separate SCDs for leave, retirement, the TSP and reductions in force. This tool estimates the leave and retirement dates.
Why are my leave SCD and retirement SCD different?
They count different service. Your leave SCD includes civilian service even if you took a refund of retirement contributions, and generally includes active-duty military service if you are not a military retiree. Your retirement SCD counts refunded service only if you redeposit the refund, and counts military service after 1956 only if you pay a deposit.
Does a break in service count?
For leave, a break of three calendar days or less between civilian periods is credited as if it were continuous. Longer breaks are not credited. Nonpay time such as leave without pay counts only up to six months in a calendar year.
How does my leave SCD set my annual leave?
Under 3 years of creditable service you earn 4 hours of annual leave per pay period, from 3 to under 15 years you earn 6, and at 15 years or more you earn 8. Some positions, such as the Senior Executive Service, earn 8 hours regardless.
Does military service count?
For leave, active duty under honorable conditions counts for people who are not military retirees. Military retirees generally get leave credit only for a qualifying disability retirement or certain wartime or campaign service. For retirement, FERS credits military service after 1956 only with a deposit, and military retired pay can affect credit, so verify with OPM.
What does this tool not cover?
Intermittent and part-time-only credit, nonappropriated fund service, Peace Corps and VISTA service, National Guard technician service, de-facto or erroneous appointments, restoration after military duty, and many special rules. It does not replace your agency's determination or OPM's.
Is anything I enter stored or sent?
No. Everything runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved. Analytics record only that the tool was used.