Congressional Pension Rules: Why Five Years Unlocks a Lifetime Payout

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her surprise retirement from Congress. Her planned departure date is set for January 5, 2026. This date is two days after she officially completes five years of service.

This timing is critical under federal retirement law. Five years is the minimum service required for a member of Congress to qualify for a lifetime pension. The announcement, covered by Reuters, confirms she will meet this threshold.

How the Federal Pension System Works for Lawmakers

Members of Congress elected after 1984 fall under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The pension calculation uses a simple formula. It is based on the average of their three highest salary years, an accrual rate, and their total years of service.

For Greene, this means a high-three average of $174,000. With five years of service and a 1.7% accrual rate, her annual pension would be $14,790. This equals about $1,232 per month, but she cannot collect it until age 62.

The Vast Difference Between Short and Long Careers

The system rewards longevity significantly. A short tenure yields a modest benefit. A long career results in a substantial lifetime income.

For comparison, Nancy Pelosi will retire after nearly 40 years of service. According to Associated Press reports, her pension is estimated at nearly $120,000 per year. This is because the formula uses a higher salary base from her time as Speaker and rewards her many years of service.

Senator Chuck Grassley presents an even more extreme case. After fifty years in Congress, he is part of an older, more generous retirement plan. His pension is legally capped at 80% of his final salary, which would be over $150,000 annually.

This starkly illustrates the financial incentive of long-term service. A five-year vesting period unlocks the door, but time in office determines the ultimate payout.

The congressional pension system is designed to reward long service. While a five-year vesting period guarantees a lifetime benefit, the actual value for a short tenure remains relatively small compared to the pensions accumulated over decades.

Info at your fingertips

What is the minimum service for a congressional pension?

Five years is the minimum service requirement. Any less than five years results in no pension at all. This rule applies to all members of Congress under the modern retirement system.

When can a member of Congress collect their pension?

For most members, the pension payments begin at age 62. There are options to collect earlier with reduced benefits. The rules are similar to those for other federal employees.

How is the pension amount calculated?

The calculation uses a three-part formula. It multiplies the average of the three highest years of salary by an accrual rate and then by years of service. The accrual rate is 1.7% for the first 20 years.

Do all members get the same pension?

No, the pension varies greatly. It depends entirely on the length of service and the highest salary achieved. A member serving five years receives a fraction of what a 30-year veteran receives.

Can a member’s family receive the pension after death?

Yes, survivors are often eligible for an annuity. A spouse can typically receive up to 55% of the member’s full pension. This requires the member to have elected this benefit during their career.