Free FERS Retirement Checklist
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A step-by-step timeline from 5+ years out to after you retire, with every step linked to OPM, TSP or SSA.
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What's inside
5+ years out
- Find your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA). It is 57 if you were born in 1970 or later, 56 if born 1953-1964, with a sliding scale in between. (OPM)
- Check which retirement you could qualify for: age 62 with 5 years, age 60 with 20 years, MRA with 30 years, or MRA with 10 years (reduced 5% a year under 62 unless postponed). (OPM)
- Make sure you are enrolled in FEHB. To keep it in retirement you generally need continuous coverage for the 5 years right before your annuity starts. (OPM)
- Review your TSP contributions. 2026 limits: $24,500 elective deferral; $8,000 catch-up if 50 or older; $11,250 higher catch-up for ages 60-63. (TSP)
- Create a my Social Security account and review your earnings record and benefit estimates. (SSA)
Want a second set of eyes? A FERS advisor can walk through this step with you for free. Book a free call.
3 years out
- Ask your agency HR office to review your Official Personnel Folder so it reflects your entire service history. (OPM)
- Ask HR about any unpaid service deposits (for example, military service), which you will be asked about when you apply. (OPM)
- Keep FEHB coverage continuous, and remember FEGLI also has a 5-year rule for continuing life insurance into retirement. (OPM)
- If you may retire before 62, learn how the FERS annuity supplement works and its earnings test. (OPM)
Want a second set of eyes? A FERS advisor can walk through this step with you for free. Book a free call.
1 year out
- Pick a target retirement date and confirm your age and service meet an immediate-retirement rule. (OPM)
- Ask your agency HR office about a retirement estimate and counseling.
- Decide on a survivor annuity with your spouse: a full survivor benefit reduces your annuity 10%, a partial one 5%. Less than full requires your spouse's notarized consent. (OPM)
- Review your TSP withdrawal options: installments, partial distributions (at least $1,000 each), or a total distribution. (TSP)
Want a second set of eyes? A FERS advisor can walk through this step with you for free. Book a free call.
6 months out
- Gather documents: dates of all federal service, any military service, military deposit details, and any workers' compensation history. (OPM)
- Ask HR when they want your application. Some offices want it earlier than OPM's 30-day minimum. (OPM)
- If you will be 62 or older, review Social Security retirement benefits (you need to be at least 62 and have worked 10 years). (SSA)
- If you are near 65, look at Medicare Parts A and B, which you sign up for through Social Security. (SSA)
Want a second set of eyes? A FERS advisor can walk through this step with you for free. Book a free call.
90 days out
- Submit your retirement application to your HR office. OPM says submit at least 30 days before separation to reduce delays. (OPM)
- Confirm your FEHB and FEGLI elections for retirement with HR. (OPM)
- Book a free review of your numbers with a FERS advisor before anything is final.
Want a second set of eyes? A FERS advisor can walk through this step with you for free. Book a free call.
Retirement day
- Your last day: confirm HR and payroll have everything they need. (OPM)
- An immediate annuity starts within 30 days of separation. (OPM)
Want a second set of eyes? A FERS advisor can walk through this step with you for free. Book a free call.
After you retire
- OPM pays annuities on the first business day of each month for the prior month. (OPM)
- If you receive the FERS supplement and work, report your earnings to OPM. It is reduced $1 for every $2 over the Social Security exempt amount. (OPM)
- Set up or adjust TSP withdrawals as needed. (TSP)
- At 62+ (Social Security) and 65 (Medicare), revisit your SSA decisions. (SSA)
Want a second set of eyes? A FERS advisor can walk through this step with you for free. Book a free call.
Want reminders? Try the Retirement Countdown.
Sources
- OPM: FERS eligibility and MRA table
- OPM: Types of retirement, application timing, FERS supplement
- OPM: FEHB eligibility (carrying coverage into retirement)
- TSP: 2026 contribution limits
- TSP: Living in retirement (withdrawal options)
- SSA: my Social Security account
- SSA: Apply for Social Security benefits
- SSA: Sign up for Medicare