How to use OPM Retirement Services Online: log in, check your annuity and first payment

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

Short answer: OPM Retirement Services Online (servicesonline.opm.gov) is where federal retirees and survivors manage their annuity: statements, 1099-Rs, tax withholding, direct deposit and more. You sign in with Login.gov. You can't create the account yourself; OPM sets it up after your retirement is approved and sends you a claim number and a one-time code.

Before you start

• Your claim number. It starts with CSA (CSRS) or CSF (FERS). OPM says it's on your 1099-R, your annual COLA notice or your benefits booklet, and in your welcome letter.
• A Login.gov account. If you applied through OPM's Online Retirement Application (ORA), Services Online says you must use the same Login.gov account and email you used for ORA.
• Your one-time passcode or activation code from OPM.

How to log in the first time

1. Go to servicesonline.opm.gov and click Sign in with LOGIN.GOV. Always check you're on the real .gov address.

2. Sign in, or create a Login.gov account if you don't have one. OPM says Login.gov passwords must be at least 12 characters, and you'll choose a two-factor method such as text message or phone call.

3. OPM emails you an activation code the first time you sign in; enter it and verify your information to link your account.

4. From then on, sign in with your Login.gov email, password and two-factor method.

Timing: OPM says that after your welcome letter, you'll receive a letter with a one-time passcode, and you have 30 days to link your account before it expires. If it expires, contact OPM for a new one. ORA filers with an email on file get a welcome email instead.

What you can do in Services Online (per OPM)

• View your monthly annuity statement and annual summary of payment
• Get your 1099-R tax form
• Change federal and state tax withholding
• Start or change direct deposit and allotments (checking, savings or to an organization)
• Check your interim retirement pay status
• Verify life insurance (FEGLI) enrollment
• View or print your retirement card
• Request your annuity booklet
• Update your contact information and mailing address

Without an account you can report a missing payment, an annuitant's death or a federal employee's death, and self-certify student enrollment.

Retiring soon? What to expect

OPM says that if you file through ORA, the same Login.gov account gets you into Services Online after you retire. Our guide to getting your first FERS payment faster covers ORA, interim pay and OPM's 7-day first-payment goal. Payments arrive on the first business day of each month; see the 2026 OPM pay dates.

Locked out or need help?

OPM says Services Online accounts may need relinking after a long period of inactivity. Use OPM's online help request (OPM says it usually responds in 3 to 5 business days) or call OPM Retirement Services at 1-888-767-6738.

Education only. We are not OPM and cannot access your account. Sources: OPM: Getting started with Retirement Services Online; OPM FAQ: How can I get access to Services Online?; OPM: What is Login.gov?; Retirement Services Online.

Questions and answers

How do I log in to OPM Retirement Services Online?

Go to servicesonline.opm.gov and select Sign in with LOGIN.GOV. The first time, OPM sends an activation code to link your account. If you used the Online Retirement Application, use the same Login.gov account and email.

Can I create a Services Online account myself?

No. OPM says it manages all online account creation to protect annuitants. It sends a one-time passcode after your retirement is approved, which you have 30 days to use.

What can I do in Services Online?

OPM lists annuity statements, 1099-R tax forms, tax withholding changes, direct deposit and allotments, FEGLI verification, interim pay status, your retirement card, and address changes.

Where do I find my OPM claim number?

OPM says your CSA or CSF claim number is on your 1099-R, your annual COLA notice or your benefits booklet.