What can federal employees expect from the retirement application process for both FERS and CSRS? For one, the less complicated your case, the less time it will take. The three main parties involved are you (the potential retiree), your agency (specifically your retirement specialist and payroll department), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
This part is your biggest responsibility. You have to submit a paper application, but it is best to fill it out electronically and print it rather than using handwriting for anything other than your signature. If you are CSRS or CSRS-offset, you’ll use the SF-2801 form (and SF-50 if CSRS-offset). SF-3107 is the form for those retiring under FERS.
*Ensure you include all necessary attachments and make a copy for your records!
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REGISTER HEREIncluded in your application is a checklist that offers a list of what documents you can expect your human resources department to be responsible for forwarding to OPM. Your agency is required to submit this package within thirty days of your separation date. The agency will compile a certified summary that you must verify and sign.
After that, your payroll department will verify deductions before the package gets sent off to OPM. Then payroll will provide your last paycheck from employment and the lump-sum cash payment from any unused annual leave.
Last, the paper retirement claim application is shipped off to Iron Mountain in Boyers, PA where it gets placed in the backlogged inventory of pending claims. At this point, you should be given a retirement claim, or CSA, number for tracking purposes. Once at OPM, it goes through the following process:
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Until Next Time,
The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Serving Those Who Serve writers and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
