FERS retirement checklist

Work through these steps before you retire. Every item comes from an official OPM page. 🖨 Print this checklist

1. Confirm when you are eligible to retire: age 62 with 5 years, 60 with 20, or your MRA with 30 for an immediate unreduced annuity. MRA with 10 to 29 years is reduced 5% a year for each year under 62 (unless 20 years and the annuity starts at 60+).
   Source: OPM: FERS Eligibility
2. Check your creditable service, including any deposit owed for civilian service before 1989 (normally 1.3% of basic pay plus interest) and any military service deposit.
   Source: OPM: FERS Service Credit
3. Understand how your basic annuity is computed from your High-3 average salary and years of service.
   Source: OPM: FERS Computation
4. Keep FEHB into retirement: you generally must be enrolled for the 5 years of service immediately before your annuity starts (or since your first chance to enroll, if less than 5).
   Source: OPM: FEHB Eligibility
5. Decide your FEGLI Basic coverage level for retirement: 75% reduction, 50% reduction or No Reduction. Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage stops at retirement.
   Source: OPM: Basic Insurance in Retirement
6. Apply through OPM's Online Retirement Application (ORA), working with your agency HR or benefits office.
   Source: OPM: Online Retirement Application
7. Expect a lump-sum payment for unused annual leave when you separate (unused sick leave is not paid out). It may take several months.
   Source: OPM: Lump-Sum Payments for Annual Leave

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Not affiliated with OPM or any government agency. Not financial advice. Confirm your situation with your agency HR office and OPM.