OPM Retirement Services phone number: how to call, write or request help

By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated November 9, 2026

Related: OPM Retirement Services Online how-to · Report a death to OPM · OPM payment schedule 2026 · 2027 federal holidays · Start here

Short answer: The OPM Retirement Services phone number is 1-888-767-6738 (TTY 711). OPM's Retirement Services phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7:40 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and closed on federal holidays. The call center's busiest window is 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET [1] [3]. If you are still a current employee or your retirement application is still at your agency, call your agency HR first - OPM assists after it receives your application and assigns a CSA claim number [1]. This page is education only, not advice, and we are not affiliated with OPM.

When to call (and when not to)

OPM asks you to call when you cannot find the answer on OPM.gov, cannot sign in to Retirement Services Online, or have a special or complex case [1]. For routine account changes many retirees can handle themselves online once Services Online is linked - see our Services Online how-to.

Current employees: if your application is still with your agency, contact your agency's Human Resources or benefits office. OPM can help after the application is received and a CSA claim number is assigned [1].

Worked example: best time to call from the West Coast

OPM posts hours in Eastern Time. Converted for someone in Pacific Time:

• Open: 4:40 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pacific (same as 7:40 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) [1] [3]
• Busiest: 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Pacific (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET) [1]

So a Pacific-time caller who wants a shorter wait can try before about 7:30 a.m. PT (right after the line opens) or after about 10:30 a.m. PT, still before the 2:00 p.m. PT close. OPM's own FAQ also suggests calling early in the morning or later in the day when the lines are less busy [4]. Skip federal holidays - the phone line is closed then; pair this with our 2027 federal holidays list when you plan a call.

Other ways to reach OPM Retirement Services

Online help request (usually 3 to 5 business days)

On OPM's contact page you can submit a help request. OPM says Customer Service Specialists usually respond within 3 to 5 business days, and asks you not to call for an update before that email arrives [1]. You generally need your CSA or CSF claim number for the form.

Where to find your claim number

OPM says annuitants can find the CSA or CSF claim number on a 1099-R, the annual COLA notice, or the Benefits Booklet [1]. Claim numbers start with CSA or CSF. If you cannot locate it, OPM says to call 1-888-767-6738 [1].

Mail (usually 1 to 3 weeks)

Include your first and last name, phone number, email address, claim number and signature. OPM says it usually responds within 1 to 3 weeks after mail is received [1]. Mail to:

Retirement Operations Center
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Post Office Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017

Fax

OPM Retirement Services does not have a main fax number. Fax only if an official OPM form or a Customer Service Specialist gives you a number; otherwise mail your documents [1].

Login.gov vs OPM for account problems

Login.gov's OPM help page confirms the same phone number and hours, and notes Login.gov only covers sign-in and account creation - not annuity, benefits, claim status or tax questions. For those, contact OPM directly [3]. Sign in on the Services Online site itself rather than starting at Login.gov and navigating over [3].

What to have ready before you call

1. Your CSA or CSF claim number (1099-R, COLA notice or Benefits Booklet) [1]
2. Full name as OPM has it, date of birth and a callback number
3. A short note of what you need (missing payment, address change, tax withholding, login help, death report, etc.)
4. If someone has died, use OPM's death-reporting path - see how to report the death of a federal retiree

For payment timing questions, see the OPM retirement payment schedule for 2026. For planning numbers before you retire, try the FERS retirement calculator and other tools, or start with our Start here guide.

Quick questions

What is the OPM Retirement Services phone number?

1-888-767-6738 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 7:40 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, closed on federal holidays [1] [3].

When is the best time to call OPM Retirement Services?

Avoid the busiest window of 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. Call earlier or later in the day when the lines are open [1] [4].

Can I fax OPM Retirement Services?

There is no main fax number. Fax only when an OPM form or specialist provides a number; otherwise mail to Boyers, PA [1].

I am still working - should I call this number?

If your application is still at your agency, contact agency HR. OPM assists after it receives the application and assigns a CSA claim number [1].

Official sources

1. OPM: Contact OPM Retirement Services
2. OPM: Contact Retirement (Retirement Services)
3. Login.gov: OPM Retirement Services Online help
4. OPM FAQ: How do I contact my Retirement office?
5. OPM Retirement Services Online

Checked against OPM on November 6, 2026. Education only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Not affiliated with OPM, USPS or any government agency.