Q&A on the News

What benefits/retirement will senators who have resigned due to allegations of sexual harassment receive? —Bill Hampton, Peachtree City

Members of Congress elected in 1984 or later are automatically enrolled in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System, according to the Congressional Research Service. Members elected prior to 1984, including Michigan Rep. John Conyers who recently retired amid allegations, are covered under the older Civil Service Retirement System, unless they chose to switch to the new system.

Generally, members who serve at least five years are entitled to a pension benefit under the plans. The amount depends upon the age at which the member begins to draw their pension, their average salary and their years of service.

The Detroit News estimated Conyers, who served for nearly 53 years, will qualify for an initial pension of $125,500 per year. He may also continue to purchase health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, the paper reported.

Retirement annuities may be forfeited if a member of Congress is convicted of certain offenses, including bribery, fraud and perjury, during the period of service the annuity was earned, according to the CRS. Sexual misconduct is not among the listed offenses, and the members retiring amid those allegations have not been convicted of such a crime.