<P> All members of Congress are automatically (without the option of withdrawal) enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System, a pension system also used for federal civil servants . They become eligible to receive benefits after five years of service (two and one - half terms in the House). The FERS is composed of three elements: </P> <Ol> <Li> Social Security </Li> <Li> The FERS basic annuity, a monthly pension plan based on the number of years of service and the average of the three highest years of basic pay </Li> <Li> The Thrift Savings Plan, a 401 (k) - like defined contribution plan for retirement account into which participants can deposit up to a maximum of $18,000 in 2017 . Their employing agency matches employee contributions up to 5% of pay . </Li> </Ol> <Li> The FERS basic annuity, a monthly pension plan based on the number of years of service and the average of the three highest years of basic pay </Li> <Li> The Thrift Savings Plan, a 401 (k) - like defined contribution plan for retirement account into which participants can deposit up to a maximum of $18,000 in 2017 . Their employing agency matches employee contributions up to 5% of pay . </Li>

The age requirements and term of office (in years) for members of the congress are