Pension Lump Sum vs Monthly Payment Calculator
Compare the estimated value of taking a pension as a lifetime monthly payment versus taking a lump sum and investing it.
Your Pension Options
Pension Offer
Enter 0 if the pension does not increase with inflation.
Time and Return Assumptions
Used only if a survivor benefit is selected. If not relevant, leave it equal to your life expectancy.
Used to estimate the present value of the monthly pension stream.
Optional simplified tax adjustment. Enter 0 for a pre-tax comparison.
Estimated Result
Enter your information and calculate your estimate.
Estimated higher financial value:
$0
Difference will appear here.
Lump Sum Offer
$0
Pension Present Value
$0
Total Pension Payments
$0
Lump Sum Ending Value
$0
Lump sum invested
Cumulative pension payments
| Monthly Pension | $0 |
| After-Tax Monthly Pension | $0 |
| Years Modeled | 0 |
| Present Value of Pension Payments | $0 |
| Lump Sum Offer | $0 |
| Value Difference | $0 |
This calculator is for educational purposes only. It uses simplified assumptions to compare a pension lump sum against monthly payments. It does not account for plan solvency, PBGC limits, state taxes, inflation risk, investment volatility, sequence risk, annuity pricing, required minimum distributions, spousal consent rules, health status, creditor protection, estate planning, or behavioral risk. Pension decisions are often irreversible. Consult a qualified financial, tax, and legal professional before making a final election.
