Compare retirement planning tools
FERSFree vs OPM Ball Park Estimator
Compare OPM’s retirement savings planner with FERSFree’s retirement-date and mixed-income planning views.
OPM’s Federal Ball Park Estimator projects federal annuity and TSP benefits to help assess savings needs. FERSFree adds a place to organize VA disability and military retirement assumptions and compare dates in a paid report.
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Checked September 26, 2026 against the linked public pages. Features and prices can change. “Not described” means we could not verify the feature from those pages.
| Feature | FERSFree | OPM Ball Park Estimator |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free estimate; optional $20 one-time report | Free government planning tool |
| Planning focus | Retirement timing and income across selected systems | Savings needs, including projected federal annuity and TSP benefits |
| MRA+10 | Immediate reduced MRA+10 scenarios; postponed commencement is not modeled | OPM states MRA+10 estimates are not supported |
| Retirement-date comparison | Side-by-side dates in the paid report | A side-by-side decision report is not described on the reviewed overview |
| Mixed income | FERS, TSP, Social Security, VA disability, and military retirement inputs | Overview covers federal annuity, TSP, Social Security, and other savings; dedicated VA/military income modules are not described |
| Official status | Independent educational planning tool | Government savings planner; OPM says it is not an annuity estimate |
Sources: OPM estimator overview and limitations.
Review FERSFree’s free and paid features · See the sample report
Common questions
Can the OPM Ball Park Estimator calculate MRA+10 retirement?
OPM’s overview excludes MRA+10 estimates. FERSFree models immediate reduced MRA+10 scenarios, but does not model postponed annuity commencement.
Can I start with FERSFree for free?
Yes. Start with the free income calculator. The optional Retirement Decision Report costs $20 once and adds retirement-date comparisons, planning risk flags, and a printable personalized checklist.
Does FERSFree provide an official benefit determination?
No. FERSFree is an independent planning tool. Confirm eligibility, service credit, and benefit elections with your agency and the relevant benefit administrators.