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OPM.gov / Retirement / faq / Cost of Living Adjustments

Learn more about cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)

FAQs and answers about cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for federal annuitants (retirees, their survivors, or their spouses, ex-spouses, and children).

Questions and answers

Yes. We make cost-of-living adjustments each year to the amount we pay to annuitants.

Most retirees are eligible for COLA starting at the age of 62 under one of these federal retirement programs:

  • Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
  • FERS Special
  • Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)
  • Organization and Disability Retirement System (ORDS)

Certain retirees, like disability, survivor, and other special provisions, have different COLA entitlement rules.

For the year 2025, annuitants who retired under CSRS will receive 2.5 percent increase and those who retired under FERS will receive a 2.0 percent increase. The rate varies each year.

If a COLA is payable, we make the change in December of each year. You'll receive the adjusted payment in January, the following month.

Yes, children, students up to age 22, and survivors are eligible for the cost of living increase.

Yes, but you'll receive a prorated amount. We'll send you a letter explaining your increase. FERS annuitants under age 62 are not eligible for COLA increases unless certain conditions are met.

Learn more about prorated COLA rates

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