If you are in the workforce, you are probably planning to retire someday. No matter how old you are, it’s never too early to prepare for it.

A career with VA helps you save for retirement because, as the nation’s largest employer, the federal government is able to provide exceptional retirement benefits. We offer a comprehensive retirement program known as Federal Employees Retirement System, or IRONS. This retirement plan has three components: social security benefits, a Thrift savings plan (TSP) and, most importantly, the basic FERS benefits, or a pension, which sets it apart from most private sector plans.

“The pension component of the VA retirement system is a very attractive part of the total retirement program,” said Darren Sherrard, associate director of recruiting marketing at the VA’s Veterans Health Administration. “VA employees enjoy very generous retirement benefits that allow them to retire with confidence.”

How it works

As a VA employee, you contribute to your pension plan and Social Security every pay period. This 7% contribution is deducted from each paycheck. But we also contribute to these parts of the pension plan on your behalf.

When you retire, you will receive monthly payments for the rest of your life. The amount of your pension is based on your salary and how long you have worked for VA.

In addition, we contribute to the TSP portion of your pension plan, which is a 401 (k) type retirement savings plan. On each pay period, we deposit an amount equal to 1% of your base salary for the pay period into your TSP account. You can also make your own pre-tax contributions to the TSP, which we match up to 4% on top of the 1% contribution.

Under the FERS, you would be eligible for monthly retirement benefits after only five years of federal service. And FERS is portable – if you quit your federal job, you can take Social Security and TSP components with you for your next job.

Another plus: The Federal Employee Health Benefit Program allows you to take your health insurance coverage with you until retirement.

Wait, there is more

In addition to our excellent retirement plan, there are many other advantages and advantages that come with the VA job. For example, we offer generous health care coverage starting with the first full pay period after your start date. As a VA employee, you can earn up to 26 days of paid annual leave each year, accumulate unlimited paid sick leave, and enjoy 10 federally paid holidays. You can also take advantage of financial support for education and training, student loan forgiveness programs, performance-based salary increases, and accelerated increases.

Work at VA today

Consider making the VA career the one you are retiring from!