After the first quarter of 2022, the second quarter for the 2023 COLA adjustment period, the quarterly average has increased by 4.1%.
How the COLA is Calculated
The 2023 FERS retiree COLA is based on the third quarter (July, August, September) average CPI-W index (1982-84=100) in 2022 over the 2021 third quarter average.
However, if the CPI-W quarterly average increases 3% or more, they subtract 1%. For example, a 5% increase in the quarterly CPI-W average results in a 4% adjustment. If the quarterly average increases from 2% to 3%, benefits increase by 2%. A CPI-W quarterly average increase of 2% or less will increase benefits by the change in the CPI-W quarterly average.
Past FERS COLA Adjustments
| Year | FERS COLA |
|
2022 |
4.9% |
|
2021 |
1.3% |
|
2020 |
1.6% |
|
2019 |
2% |
|
2018 |
2% |
|
2017 |
0.30% |
|
2016 |
0% |
|
2015 |
1.70% |
|
2014 |
1.50% |
|
2013 |
1.70% |
|
2012 |
2.60% |
|
2011 |
0.00% |
|
2010 |
0.00% |
|
2009 |
4.80% |
|
2008 |
2.00% |
|
2007 |
2.30% |
|
2006 |
3.10% |
|
2005 |
2.00% |
|
2004 |
2.00% |
|
2003 |
1.40% |
|
2002 |
2.00% |
|
2001 |
2.50% |
|
2000 |
2.00% |
|
1999 |
1.30% |
|
1998 |
2.00% |
|
1997 |
2.00% |
|
1996 |
2.00% |
|
1995 |
2.00% |