text: For Members of Congress covered by FERS after December 31, 2012, the accrual rate for congressional service covered by FERS is 1.0% per year of service, or, if the Member has at least 20 years of service and serves until at least the age of 62, the benefit accrual rate is 1.1% per year of service. This is the same accrual rate that applies to regular FERS employees and applies to members of Congress first elected in 1984 or later.
  In 2002, the average congressional pension payment ranged from $41,000 to $55,000. , senior Members of Congress who have been in office for at least 32 years can earn about $139,000 a year.
  All senators and those representatives serving as members prior to September 30, 2003, may decline this coverage. Representatives entering office on or after September 30, 2003, cannot elect to be excluded from such coverage. Members who were already in Congress when Social Security coverage went into effect could either remain in CSRS or change their coverage to FERS.
  Retirement arrangements
  , members are covered under one of four retirement arrangements:
  CSRS and Social Security;
  The “CSRS Offset” plan, which includes both CSRS and Social Security, but with CSRS contributions and benefits reduced by Social Security contributions and benefits;
  FERS; or