Applying for Retirement
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about 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. They are available on our website, as follows:
You should submit an application for immediate retirement as shown below.
Who can receive an annuity?
If you meet the eligibility requirements
for a retirement benefit, you are eligible to receive an annuity based
on your length of service and your high-3
average salary. 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; [Note:If documentation
is missing, verification may be obtained by contacting federal record
centers. If the personnel office is unable to obtain verification, we
will complete verification upon receipt of your retirement application
and records. This process will cause a delay in processing of your claim.]
-
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
(FEHB) program to OPM;
-
Prepare Standard Form (SF) 50, "Notification of Personnel Action.";
and
-
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; and
- Forwards all retirement documents to OPM.
How do I know my claim was processed?
When we receive your retirement application, we 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 us 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.
When will I get my first payment?
In most cases, as soon as we get all of your retirement records, we provide
interim payments. These payments represent a portion of your final benefit
and are usually made on the first business day of each month. We try
to provide you with income until we finish processing your application.
Are any deductions
withheld from my "interim payments"?
We only withhold Federal income tax. You may find that the Federal
income taxes withheld from your first interim payment will be higher than
the Federal tax withholdings from your subsequent interim payments and regular
annuity. We will make any necessary tax withholding adjustment when
we finish processing your application. Your health and life insurance
coverage will continue while you are receiving interim pay. We will
begin withholding health and life insurance premiums retroactive to the commencing
date of your annuity, when we finish processing your application.
How does the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) process my claim?
OPM takes the following steps to process your claim for retirement benefits.
- 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:
- Authorizes your annuity payment by the Department of the Treasury; and
- Sends you an annuity statement.
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.