Applying for Retirement
How can I apply for retirement?
To qualify for payments from the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), you must submit a retirement application, Standard Form 2801 (CSRS) or 3107 (FERS).
Where should I apply?
If you have been separated from federal service for more than 30 days, submit your application to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). If you are still working, submit it to your employer.
Who can receive an annuity?
If you meet the requirements for a retirement benefit, you are eligible to receive an annuity based on your length of service and your highest three consecutive years of pay.
The information in your application is used to determine if you are applying for a disability option, a regular or early-out option, or a discontinued service annuity. It is also used to check the service listed on your payroll records.
Who processes my application?
Both the personnel and payroll office in your agency and OPM are responsible for processing your annuity claim.
Can I speed up my processing time?
You can help reduce delays in processing by submitting your application in advance and by making sure your Official Personnel Folder (OPF) is complete. If you submit your paperwork early, your personnel and payroll offices will be able to complete their action before your retirement date.
How does my personnel office process my application?
Your personnel office must take the following actions to process your retirement application:
- Complete the "Agency Check List of Immediate Retirement Procedures, Standard Form 2801, Schedule D (CSRS) or 3701, Schedule D (FERS).
- Prepare and obtain your signature on the "Certified Summary of Federal Service," Standard Form 2801-1 (CSRS) or 3701-1 (FERS).
- Verify any service not fully documented in your OPF. If documentation is missing, verification may be obtained by contacting federal record centers. If the personnel office is unable to obtain verification, OPM will complete verification upon receipt of your retirement application and records. However, this process will cause a delay in processing.
- Certify and transfer your coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program to OPM.
- Transfer your enrollment under the Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHBI) program to OPM.
- Prepare Standard Form 50, "Notification of Personnel Action."
- Send all of your retirement materials to your payroll office.
What happens after my personnel office processes my application?
After your personnel agency takes action, your agency payroll office:
- Authorizes your final pay check and lump sum payment for unused annual leave.
- Prepares your "Individual Retirement Record," Standard Form 2806 (CSRS) or 3100 (FERS) which reflects service, salary history, and annual retirement contributions.
- Forwards all retirement documents to OPM.
How do I know my claim was processed?
When we receive your retirement application, OPM will notify you and will provide a civil service claim identification number (a seven-digit number
preceded by "CSA"). You must use that identification number whenever you contact OPM about your annuity.
Who should I call if I have any questions about my claim number?
If you need to contact OPM before you receive your claim number, first contact your former payroll office to find the date your records were transferred to OPM. Your payroll office should provide you with the number and date of the Register of Separations and Transfers. You will also need your Payroll Identification Number.
Can I get payments before my claim is processed?
As soon as we get all your retirement records, we provide
"interim" payments. These payments are usually made in four
days or less, on the first business day of each month. We try to provide you
with income until we finish processing your application. Interim
payments can only be authorized if your record clearly shows your
eligibility for retirement.
How much will my interim payment be?
Generally, interim payments average more than 85 percent of your final benefit. However, they may be less if:
- You have received a refund for retirement deductions previously paid.
- You have service (after October 1, 1982) not covered by the retirement system.
- You have service for which you have not paid a deposit.
When can I receive my first interim payment?
If your records are complete, you will receive your first interim payment approximately 7 to 14 days after you receive your acknowledgement letter.
How does OPM process my claim?
- Obtains missing information from your retirement documents.
- Determines your eligibility for an annuity and continued health and life insurance coverages.
- Computes the amount of your annuity.
- Sends you materials concerning:
- your survivor benefit election;
- the alternative form of annuity;
- rollover to an IRA, (or if you are a FERS MRA+10 retiree);
- your annuity commencing date.
- Authorizes your annuity payment by the Department of the Treasury.
- Sends you an annuity statement.
When are my checks due?
Regular monthly payments are due the first business day of the month immediately preceding.
How long does it take to process my application?
If your retirement records are complete upon receipt and an election of a benefit is not required, the processing of your claim will be completed in approximately five weeks. An additional three to four weeks may be added if a benefit election is required.
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