Checking in on OPM’s retirement claims backlog in August 2025. Has new online retirement application sped up processing time?
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. They were able to continue to process 11,195 claims and brought the backlog down to 24,359. Much higher than it was at the same time last year.
What is the Current Status of the OPM Retirement Processing Delay?
Monthly Average Processing Time
The average retirement application processing time dramatically increased from 59 days in July to 70 days in August.
Full Year To Date Average Processing Time
The annual average of the monthly processing time of benefits decreased from 61 days in August 2024 to 54 days in August 2025.
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How Does the OPM Retirement Process Work?
When you are ready to file for retirement, you start by filing your retirement application with your agency. After the retirement claim is filed, the application stays with the agency until your retirement date. Then, the agency processes your final paycheck and annual leave payout and sends the paperwork to OPM. Once OPM receives your paperwork, they will send you a letter with your retirement claim number. Note: You can find out the status of processing with the claim number.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Retirement Application: OPM Retirement Process Flowchart
What Are the Common Causes of Delays in Retirement Processing?
The most common processing delay is caused by errors in the application. If a federal worker made any corrections to their retirement package, such as crossing items out, whiteouts, or corrections, OPM would not accept the package and would increase the time for retirement claim processing. Current federal employees should work with their HR office to ensure no corrections are on the pages. If there was a mistake, it is best to use a new form and fill it out without errors.
Monthly OPM Backlog
How Can I Check the Status of My Retirement Claim?
Federal retirees can use OPMs’ Retirement Services online to track your claim number. You can also reach out to their staff by phone at 888-767-6738.
Reach Out to Us!
If you have additional federal benefit questions, contact our team of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultants (ChFEBC℠), and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) professionals. At PlanWell, we are federal employee financial advisors with a focus on retirement planning. Learn more about our process designed for the career fed.
Preparing for federal retirement? Check out our scheduled federal retirement workshops. Sign up for our no-cost federal retirement webinars here! Make sure to plan ahead and reserve your seat for our FERS webinar, held every three weeks. Want to have PlanWell host a federal retirement seminar for your agency? Reach out, and we’ll collaborate with HR to arrange an on-site FERS seminar.
Want to fast-track your federal retirement plan? Skip the FERS webinar and start a one-on-one conversation with a ChFEBC today. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting here.
