OPM retirement payment schedule: 2026 annuity pay dates

Published October 31, 2026 · By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated October 31, 2026

Short answer: OPM pays your federal retirement annuity once a month, on the first business day of the month, for the month before. For example, OPM says annuitants receive their May payment on June 1. The next two dates to know are Tuesday, December 1, 2026 (November's payment) and Monday, January 4, 2027 (December's payment, the first to include the 2027 COLA).

2026 OPM retirement payment schedule

OPM's rule is "first business day of the month." We applied that rule to OPM's official 2026 federal holiday schedule (weekends and holidays move the date to the next business day):

OPM itself confirms the January 4, 2027 date: "Benefits which accrue in December 2026 are payable on January 4, 2027" (OPM Annuity Payments). The other dates follow OPM's stated rule. Your bank may post the deposit at a different time of day.

New retirees: interim pay follows the same schedule

OPM says that in most cases you start getting interim payments, an estimated portion of your final annuity, while your application is processed, and they are usually made on the first business day of each month (OPM: Understanding annuity payments). See how to get your first FERS payment faster.

Still working? Your paycheck is different

Active employees are paid by their agency's payroll provider, usually every two weeks, not by OPM. Check your agency's payroll calendar for 2026 pay dates.

If a payment doesn't arrive

OPM says to call your financial institution first. You can then report a missing payment online through Retirement Services Online (no account needed for this) or call OPM at 1-888-767-6738. Have your CSA/CSF claim number ready.

Direct deposit

OPM says more than 95% of federal retirees and survivors are paid by direct deposit, and Treasury is phasing out paper checks. You can set up or change direct deposit in Services Online.

Education only. Sources: OPM Annuity Payments; OPM FAQ: Is my annuity always paid on the first of the month?; OPM 2026 federal holidays.

Questions and answers

When does OPM pay retirement annuities?

OPM says annuities are paid on the first business day of the month for the previous month. For example, the May payment arrives on June 1.

When is the first payment with the 2027 COLA?

OPM says benefits that accrue in December 2026 are payable on January 4, 2027, and that payment reflects the COLA effective December 1, 2026.

What if my OPM payment is missing?

OPM says to contact your financial institution first, then report the missing payment online through Retirement Services Online or call OPM at 1-888-767-6738.