Pension Years is run by a small team that writes about public pensions and builds the calculators on this site. We started it because the people with the most complicated retirement rules, teachers, state and city workers, police officers and firefighters, were the people general retirement sites served worst.
What we do
Each retirement system gets its own page with its formula, tiers, retirement ages and early-retirement rules written in plain English, plus a calculator that follows those rules. Around the plan pages sit tools for the decisions that come with a pension: when to retire, whether to join a DROP, whether to buy service credit and how Social Security adds on top.
How we keep it accurate
Every plan page is built from the plan's own handbook, statutes and member publications, and lists those sources at the bottom. Each calculator is tested against the worked examples the plan publishes before it goes live. We recheck plans every summer, when most systems update rates, and whenever a legislature changes the rules. Our methodology page explains the process.
What we are not
We are not connected to any retirement system, union or government agency, and we do not sell insurance, annuities or investments. The site is free and supported by advertising. Your plan's own statement is the final word on your benefit.
Get in touch
Corrections and suggestions are always welcome at hello@pensionyears.com.