Fers retirement process flowchart What that means for feds planning to retire The new electronic retirement system promises a faster, more accurate process, but some users are still Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) Publications Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Publications Retirement and Insurance Publications Other Retirement Publications Publicaciones en español Jun 27, 2025 · Last week’s article announced the launch of OPM’s retirement application (ORA) service. Follow instructions in Chapter 3 of this Guide to select additional remarks for the appointment and to report the appointment to the Office of Personnel Management. The process mimics the paper application process. “This is a need right now,” Lori Amos, OPM’s deputy associate director for retirement services, told reporters Monday. Jun 19, 2024 · OPM tackles federal retirement backlog, braces for surge in retirement applications end of June. Jul 3, 2025 · Understand the latest changes to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including proposed cuts, High-3 impact, and planning steps for 2025–2026. Guidance for Federal Employees This quick reference document provides guidance on preparing for Federal retirement and submitting a complete retirement application package to your Human Resources Office. Jun 25, 2019 · The Office of Personnel Management receives over 100,000 federal retirement applications each year. Sep 1, 2023 · Retiring from federal service is not as simple as collecting a gold watch and giving a speech at your going away party. OPM recently posted a Retirement Quick Guide designed to help you better understand the next steps after retirement. Do not process a conversion action. But the time it takes to process these applications can often be delayed. 101 Purpose. When a federal employee decides to retire, they must complete a retirement application to initiate their benefits. Federal employees can see an outline of the steps they Apr 3, 2024 · Retiring from federal service can be a complex process, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can smoothly navigate through it. These forms include the retirement application form, designation of beneficiary forms, and deposit or redeposit forms (when necessary to receive credit for service). We put this guide together to help you answer some of the most important questions about your FERS pension and TSP account, how to address inflation, and how to plan an early Retirement. Use a opm retirement process flowchart template to make your document workflow more streamlined. Oct 29, 2025 · Explore the Learning Center at Federal Retirement Services. Two of the three parts of FERS (Social Security and the TSP) can go with you to your next job if you leave the Federal Government before retirement. If this is your year for retirement and you’ve already set a date, then it’s time to begin the process of **Retirement Services transitioned from paper to digital applications in fiscal year 2025. We need to manage expectations Apr 15, 2025 · Retirement isn’t just a date—it’s a process. If you are a federal employee nearing retirement, you should start planning now for the FERS retirement process. Wherever you are on your § 841. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) works with your Agency's personnel and payroll offices to process your retirement application. Employees under FERS receive retirement benefits from three sources: the basic benefit plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP. Jul 25, 2024 · When Applying for Federal Retirement so much goes into making decisions about retiring and the retirement application process is simply the final stage that memorializes your desire to retire and your decision to do so. Sep 9, 2025 · OPM Retirement Backlog: August 2025 Processing Time The Office of Personnel Management received 9,416 federal retirement claims in August 2025, up slightly from 8,295 in July. There are actions your personnel and payroll offices must take in order to process your retirement application. This is the first of two columns discussing financial and federal retirement planning issues that The plan covers all employees in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the federal govern-ment. From File to Finish: Your Federal Retirement Package What to expect as your CSRS/FERS retirement is being processed Aug 7, 2025 · The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) manages the retirement process for federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Governmentwide responsibility and oversight for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and related Federal benefits administration functions. May 27, 2014 · A few questions I have are: 1. FERS disability benefits are computed in different ways depending on the annuitant’s age and amount of service at retirement. Aug 1, 2024 · Retirement planning is a long game that requires consistent saving and intentional investing — and a working knowledge and understanding of your federal benefits. You can make a deposit for creditable Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) service you performed before 1989 during which retirement deductions were not withheld from your pay. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! This guide will walk you through what to expect as your retirement application is processed and your benefits are determined. Following the federal timeline step-by-step gives you the best chance of retiring on time, with full benefits, and with peace of mind. FERS employees who retire after age 62 are generally eligible to receive not only their FERS annuity retirement benefit after they retire, but also their Thrift Savings Plan benefits and their Social Security benefits. Welcome to opm. Office of Personnel Management to withhold from my CSRS or FERS annuity any amount of Feb 20, 2020 · Many federal employees dream about the day they can start their life after government. We are experienced in all aspects of Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) disability retirement benefits so that federal employees don’t have to be. We’ve included Online Retirement Application (ORA) Help Information and guidance for the retirement application process This system processes retirement applications for Federal and United States Postal Service Employees covered under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Simplify your federal retirement process with a secure, efficient online system for streamlined application and planning. There are two forms that are required for FERS annuitants depending on whether you are filing for an immediate retirement or a deferred/postponed retirement. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! This guide will walk you through what to expect as your retirement application is processed and your benefits are determined. See full list on fedsmith. What happens if I am found fit for continued membership in the ANG with me now flying Disqualified? This application is for you if you are a Federal employee covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and you wish to apply for retirement with an immediate annuity. Use the following chart to figure your Minimum Retirement Age. My “concern” is if it’s a bit unnecessary to max out this early when we also have a pension? I don’t want to save too much for retirement and not be able to enjoy day to day life as much. They were able to continue to process 11,195 claims and brought the backlog down to 24,359. Find out how to contact us for support. Processing time updates from the Office of Personnel Management. And believe me, almost everyone is surprised by how many steps are Suggested wording for your request is as follows: "I (full name and military serial number) hereby waive my military retired pay for Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) purposes effective (the day before your annuity begins). Today’s WatchBlog explores some of the reasons why from our recent report. You should use this application if you want to apply for an annuity which will begin within 30 days of your separation from Federal service. Our brand new 2022 FERS Retirement Planning Guide contains the very latest critical information on your retirement benefits … retirement process flowchart. ” SEE ALSO: How to Deal With OPM’s Delay in Retirement Application Processing May 22, 2025 · Answers to some of your frequently asked questions about federal retirement If you're thinking about retiring from federal service, here's what you need to know first. You must have become disabled, while employed in a position subject to FERS, because of a disease or injury, for useful and efficient service in your current position. gov email address can access the new application portal. For each type of retirement, there will be a link below to an in-depth article about the nuances of each type. Interest is paid at the same rate that is paid for government securities. Retirement Services is changing the approach used to report claims received so that the number of digital claims received may be tracked. FERS is a retirement plan that provides benefits from three different sources: a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). OPM Retirement Services processes benefits for federal retirees, manages accounts for retirees, survivors, and qualified former spouses, and sends monthly annuity payments to beneficiaries. Process for return for duty . The U. These links are useful to new and existing retirees throughout their retirement journey. TIMELINE: The average processing time (and what can make it longer) PAY: How you will be paid after you leave service but before your retirement is finalized BENEFITS: What happens to the benefits you’ve elected to keep in retirement CHANGES: Modifications you can make within a brief window after separating TO-DO’S: A Complete the Agency Check List of Immediate Retirement Procedures (SF-2801, Schedule D for CSRS or SF-3701, Schedule D for FERS) Prepare and get your signature on the Certified Summary of Federal Service (SF-2801-1 for CSRS or SF-3701-1 for FERS) Verify any service not fully documented in your Official Personnel Folder. In addition, FERS disability retirement benefits are recomputed after the first twelve months and again at age 62, if the annuitant is under age 62 at the time of disability retirement. Oct 25, 2023 · These are two questions frequently asked by employees nearing retirement and recently retired employees. Eligibility is determined by your age and number of years of creditable service. I hereby authorize the U. Jul 17, 2025 · OPM’s digital retirement application is live. Let’s break down what to expect after you file your application for retirement. Types of Retirement The flowchart below will walk you through the different types of retirement and what it takes to be eligible for them. FERS employees must fill out the SF 3107 form, and CSRS employees must fill out the SF 2801 online. FERS, however, does not cover military personnel or employees of state or local governments. Most retirees will receive their first full annuity check within 3-5 months of retiring. For service under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), you will get interest on the refund of those contributions if you worked more than one year. Only those with a . Approved Application Process Disability Branch receives final IRR and associated documents and authorizes interim pay Claims Group 1 reviews package for completeness When required, we develop for missing or discrepant retirement and insurance information When claim is complete, we authorize regular disability payments Dec 26, 2024 · Our hands-on approach keeps our clients informed throughout the entire process, from completing the initial paperwork to the appeal of benefit denial. govOPM is here to help you transition from serving the American people to enjoying your retirement. Navigating federal pension benefits, TSP accounts, and financial planning can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. View our Quick Guide to the Federal Retirement Process video for more information. . Much higher than it was at the same time last year. The printable version of this guide includes estimated timelines. The FERS retirement process flowchart is a visual representation that outlines the steps federal employees must follow to retire under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). In fact, between 2014 and 2017, OPM didn’t meet its goal of processing most applications within 60 days. Access webinars, seminars, and resources to better understand TSP and FERS benefits. “This is our current state — we’re paper-based. In some cases, you must have reached the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) to receive retirement benefits. May 24, 2023 · The OPM has posted a “Retirement Quick Guide” to a process that many federal employees who have gone through the process of applying for retirement and Retirement timeline for Federal employees, CSRS and FERS. Congrats! If you are reading this then you are probably close to retirement as a federal employee! If you are reading this and you are not close to retirement then my guess is that you don’t like your current position 🙂 Either way, this post will walk you through what to expect in the first year of federal retirement. This article will explain the steps in the retirement application process and estimated timelines. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! The Retirement Quick Guide will walk you through what to expect as your retirement application is processed and your benefits are determined. When you apply for a refund, OPM will refund all retirement deductions to your credit under both FERS and CSRS. com Apr 11, 2025 · OPM said the new guide “shares important information and common misconceptions to demystify the federal retirement application process, including an estimated timeline of the retirement application process. The retirement application paper trail This pamphlet, along with form SF 3107, FERS Application for Immediate Retirement, is for you if you are currently a Federal employee covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and you want to apply for retirement with an immediate annuity (annuity beginning within 30 days after the date of final separation from Federal service). Sep 9, 2025 · Avoid the common OPM retirement trap with smart planning tips to protect your paperwork, income, and federal benefits before you retire. How should this process have really worked? See Memorandum for ANG Wing Commanders and “Non-Duty Disability Evaluation System Process (flow Chart) it explains the process (*Memo and Flow Chart) 2. What is the Current Status of the OPM Retirement Processing Delay? Monthly Agenda High‐level review of the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) retirement application process flow Suggested wording for your request is as follows: "I (full name and military serial number) hereby waive my military retired pay for Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) purposes effective (the day before your annuity begins). You can help reduce delays in processing by submitting your retirement application at least thirty days in advance of your separation date. Disability Retirement Computation FERS disability benefits are computed in different ways depending on the annuitant’s age and amount of service at retirement. A maxed out TSP + FERS contribution is nearly 20% investment into retirement which is more than the recommendation of the r/personalfinance flowchart. The FERS retirement process flowchart is a visual representation that outlines the steps involved in applying for retirement under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). This application is for you if you are a Federal employee covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and you wish to apply for retirement with an immediate annuity. Office of Personnel Management to withhold from my CSRS or FERS annuity any amount of May 7, 2025 · OPM is set to launch a fully digital retirement system in less than a month, aiming for faster processing, replacing outdated paper methods. OPM Retirement Center OPM is here to help you transition from serving the American people to enjoying your retirement. Unlike your FERS refund, you have always been able to pay back the amount of the CSRS deductions, plus interest, if you are later reemployed in the Federal Government. Jul 16, 2025 · What to expect as your CSRS/FERS retirement is being processed. If the employee is to be reemployed without a break in service after retirement with immediate civil service annuity, document the retirement and the new appointment on separate SF-50s. May 9, 2025 · OPM currently informs employees planning to retire that the process will take 3-5 months, and that interim retirement annuity payments will be made, which are “typically 60–80% of your estimated net annuity to help cover your expenses. There are several forms required to complete the retirement process. Determin what to do one year before retiring and what to expect the first three months after you leave. S. Applying for Retirement To apply for an annuity from the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), you must submit a retirement application, Standard Form 2801, CSRS Application for Immediate Retirement for CSRS employees or Standard Form 3107, FERS Application for Immediate Retirement for FERS Employees. However 5-10 Years Prior to Federal Retirement The last five to 10 years of a federal employee’s service represents a critical period if the employee intends to retire at the time he or she wants and with sufficient pension income and benefits that will last throughout the employee’s retirement years. The purpose of this subpart is to state the administrative rules governing the operations of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) that have general application to the basic benefits under FERS. The Retirement Quick Guide walks you through what to expect as your retirement application is processed and your benefits are determined. OPM Retirement Quick Guide – Simplified and Clear Your Future, Your Retirement—Plan with Confidence Your retirement is more than just numbers—it’s about securing the future you’ve worked so hard for. May 22, 2023 · A new “ retirement quick guide,” which OPM published Monday, aims to help federal employees and recent retirees better understand and navigate the current federal retirement process.