Actually, federal employees who were hired before 1984 and stayed under the old Civil Service retire System (CSRS) and were not tricked into switching into the "new" Federal Employee retirement system (FERS)which is the only option now do get raises most every year. It is called a COLA or cost of living increase. all CSRS pensions wenr up 6% (yes six percent) on Jan 1, 2009. However the numbers vary each year and that was the highest in 20 yrs. Next year looks like only on epercent. It is why my dad always told me to get a job with the US "Uncle Sugar" Now feds are covered under Social security. Most CSRS pensioners never get any social security payments and the few who do are subject to an offset. Both paid Medicare taxes though and get that.