How to Contact OPM Retirement Services: Federal Retirement Guide

Ben Derge, ChFEBC℠ January 8, 2026 · 6 min read

How to Contact OPM Retirement Services: Federal Retirement Guide

This article provides guidance for federal employees trying to reach the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) during a backlog of retirement applications.

Contact Information

Main Phone: 202-606-1800
Retirement Services: 888-767-6738
Email: retire@opm.gov

Key Topics

Overview of OPM retirement services and their role in administering federal pensions
Importance of obtaining your Claim number (CSA) for tracking applications
Processing timelines (interim payments within 3-6 weeks, full annuity within 3-5 months)
Strategies for managing delays, such as using annual leave payouts and TSP funds
Understanding 1099-R tax forms and state tax withholding adjustments
Online account management through OPM's retirement services portal

About Ben Derge

Writer & Benefits Consultant · ChFEBC℠

Ben is a Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC℠) with over a decade of experience advising federal employees on their retirement benefits. His passion for helping the federal community was inspired by his late grandfather, a colonel in the Army. Ben is dedicated to ensuring federal and military families receive quality, actionable information about FERS, TSP, survivor benefits, and more.