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the three legged retirement plan is being phased out. anyone hired after 1984 [or 1986 I forget] only has the two legs (that makes most Federal Workers today under FERS not CSRS) I remember the three legs was only for those with the CSRS plan could choose to join FERS and they had to make a transition plan. Those with CSRS got to keep their CSRS up to the point of choosing the FERS. Then it was frozen and the SS and 401(k) plan were added. There is some complicated formula, but it is used used for those employes with CSRS plans. I choose not to switch. I do not have SS. I did create a 401(k) but not matching funds from the Government as it was done under FERS. I can see the day coming where all the CSRS benefits will be slowly taken away from the retirees since there is no left working to keep it going.

FERS is just another form of the old CSRS. For those who joined after 1983 or elected to switch to the new system, they will receive pensions from FERS and SS. They pay into both. And they can elect to join the TSP and get a pension from that. Thus, the three legs of the stool are there.

CSRS will not be taken away from the existing retirees anymore than SS would be.

I can see the day coming where all the CSRS benefits will be slowly taken away from the retirees since there is no left working to keep it going.

I said the same thing to my husband. He is one that didn't switch over to FERS. He just smiled and said 'Nope, it will never happen. The Congress is covered under CRCS."