sentences:  The accrual rate is 1.7% for the first 20 years and 1.0% for each year beyond the 20th.The basic retirement annuity under FERS is equal to the (Average High-3 Salary x .017 x Years of Service through 20 years)+(High-3 Salary x .01 x Years of Service over 20)= Annual Pension
  Members who began congressional service before 1984 and who elected to join FERS will receive credit under FERS from January 1, 1984, forward.Thus, at the close of the 108th Congress in December 2004, participants had a maximum of 21 years of service under FERS.