How do I apply for FERS retirement (SF 3107)?

By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated October 27, 2026

You apply through your agency HR office, usually 60–90 days before your date, using form SF 3107 or OPM's Online Retirement Application (ORA) where your agency offers it. HR sends the package to OPM, which in September 2026 averaged 56 days for digital claims and 149 days for paper.

OPM pays an estimated "interim" annuity while it finalizes your case.

Sources

• OPM: Retirement processing status
• OPM: Forms