Creditable civilian service is not limited to service covered by retirement deductions. It can also include service where your pay was not subject to retirement deductions. In some cases, you must make a deposit equal to the amount of the retirement deductions (plus interest) to credit this service in the computation of your retirement benefit.

Deposit for Civilian Service Performed Before October 1, 1982

• This service will count toward your creditable years of service for retirement eligibility whether or not you pay the deposit.
• If you do not pay the deposit, your annual retirement annuity will be reduced by 10 percent of the deposit amount due at retirement.

Deposit for Civilian Service Performed on or After October 1, 1982

• This service will count toward your creditable years of service for retirement eligibility whether or not you pay the deposit.
• If you do not pay the deposit, you will not receive credit for the service in the computation of your annual retirement annuity.

1. Complete and sign page 1 (part A) of the SF 2803, Application to Make Deposit or Redeposit.
2. Mail the SF 2803 to the Civilian Benefits Center (CBC)
3. The CBC will complete page 2 (part B) and forward the application to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
4. OPM will review your application and will send you a statement of the amount of deposit (including accrued interest) you owe. Application processing is currently taking 6 - 8 months. If you have submitted an application but have not received a statement from OPM, you can call OPM at 1-888-767-6738 for a status.
5. Once you receive this statement you may pay the amount in full or make installment payments of at least $50. You can mail your payments directly to OPM as instructed on the statement or make electronic payments using Pay.gov. Interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance until it is paid in full.
6. Once the deposit is paid in full, retain the OPM statement showing payment for your records. You should submit a copy of the receipt with your retirement application.
7. Contact the Benefits Line if you have questions about the process for making a deposit or how deposit service may impact your retirement annuity.

• OPM Retirement Handbook Chapter 20, Creditable Civilian Service
• OPM Retirement Handbook Chapter 21, Service Credit Payments for Civilian Service
• Retirement Facts 3 - Deposits and Redeposits Under CSRS