When it comes to planning for retirement, it’s important to understand the benefits and options available to you. One retirement system that has gained attention in recent years is the Blended Retirement System (BRS), which was introduced by the United States Department of Defense in 2018. If you are a member of the military or a federal employee, you may be wondering if the BRS includes a pension. In this article, we will take a closer look at the BRS and answer the question: “Do you get a pension with the BRS?”

1. What is the Blended Retirement System?

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) is a retirement system created by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide a more flexible and portable retirement benefit for service members. It combines elements of the traditional military retirement system with a defined contribution plan known as the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The BRS was implemented on January 1, 2018, and applies to service members who entered the military on or after January 1, 2018, as well as those who enrolled in the system during the open enrollment period.
Under the BRS, eligible service members receive automatic and matching contributions to their TSP accounts and the potential for an annuity after completing 20 years of service. The BRS is intended to provide a more equitable system that benefits a greater number of service members, particularly those who may not complete a full 20-year career.

2. The TSP and Retirement Savings

One of the key components of the Blended Retirement System is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is a defined contribution plan similar to a 401(k) in the civilian sector. It allows service members to contribute a portion of their pay on a tax-advantaged basis, which is then invested in a variety of investment options.

Under the BRS, service members receive automatic and matching contributions to their TSP accounts. The automatic contribution, also known as the “1% automatic contribution,” is equal to 1% of the service member’s basic pay and is provided by the government regardless of whether the service member contributes to his or her TSP account. In addition, service members are eligible for matching contributions of up to 5% of their basic pay if they contribute at least 5% themselves.
By contributing to the TSP, service members can build a retirement nest egg that can supplement their pension and provide additional financial security in retirement. The TSP offers a variety of investment options, including low-cost index funds, that can help service members grow their savings over time.

3. The Retirement Component of the BRS

One of the key differences between the traditional military retirement system and the Blended Retirement System is the retirement component. Under the BRS, service members become eligible for a pension after completing 20 years of service. However, the amount of the pension is reduced compared to the traditional system.

Under the BRS, the pension is calculated based on a member’s years of service and a reduced multiplier. For members with 20 years of service, the pension multiplier is 2.0%. This means that the annuity is calculated by multiplying 2.0% by the number of years of service and the average of the member’s highest 36 months of basic pay. For example, a member with 20 years of service would be eligible for a pension equal to 40% of his or her average highest 36 months of basic pay.
It’s important to note that the retirement component of the BRS is not an all-or-nothing benefit. Service members who leave the military before completing 20 years of service are still eligible for a partial pension based on their years of service. This makes the BRS more flexible and allows service members to receive some retirement benefits even if they don’t complete a full 20-year career.

4. Considerations and Strategies for BRS Participants

As a participant in the Blended Retirement System, there are several considerations and strategies you should keep in mind to maximize your retirement benefits:

First, it’s important to contribute to your TSP account to take advantage of automatic and matching contributions. By contributing at least 5% of your basic pay, you can receive the maximum matching contribution from the government. Consider increasing your contributions over time to further grow your retirement savings.
Second, consider the impact of the reduced pension multiplier. The reduced multiplier under the BRS means that the pension alone may not be enough to meet all of your retirement needs. It’s important to supplement your pension with other retirement savings, such as contributions to the TSP or other investment accounts. This can help ensure a more comfortable retirement.

Third, take advantage of the financial education and resources the military provides. The Department of Defense offers financial counseling and education programs to help service members make informed decisions about their retirement and other financial matters. By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain valuable knowledge and guidance on how to make the most of your retirement benefits.

5. Conclusion

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) provides a unique and flexible approach to military retirement benefits. While the BRS includes a pension component, the amount of the pension is reduced compared to the traditional military retirement system. However, the BRS also provides service members with the opportunity to receive automatic and matching contributions to their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts, which can help them build additional retirement savings.
As a BRS participant, it’s important to understand the various components of the system and make informed decisions about your retirement. By contributing to your TSP account, supplementing your retirement with additional savings, and taking advantage of available resources, you can work toward a secure and comfortable retirement. Remember to consult with a financial advisor or retirement specialist who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique circumstances and goals.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. It is always recommended that you consult with a qualified financial advisor or retirement specialist before making any decisions regarding your retirement planning.

FAQs

Do you get a pension with BRS?

Under the Blended Retirement System (BRS) in the United States military, service members are eligible for a pension. However, the pension structure differs from the traditional retirement system.

How does the pension work under the BRS?

Under the BRS, the pension is known as the Defined Benefit (DB) component. It provides a monthly annuity payment based on a service member’s years of service and the average of their highest 36 months of basic pay.

Is the BRS pension different from the old retirement system?

Yes, the BRS pension is different from the old retirement system. Under the previous system, service members were eligible for a pension after serving for 20 years, whereas under the BRS, the pension is reduced to 40% of the member’s average basic pay for the highest 36 months of service.

Are there any additional benefits under the BRS?

Yes, in addition to the pension, the BRS also offers a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with automatic and matching contributions. The TSP is a retirement savings account that allows service members to save and invest for their future.

Can I choose between the BRS and the old retirement system?

Active duty service members who joined the military on or after January 1, 2018, were automatically enrolled in the BRS. However, those who joined before that date were given the choice to opt-in to the BRS or remain in the old retirement system.

Is the BRS pension portable if I leave the military before 20 years of service?

Yes, the BRS pension is portable. If you leave the military before completing 20 years of service, you can still receive the pension benefits you earned during your service, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.