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Federal Retirement Application Checklist 2026

Step-by-step checklist for submitting SF-3107, preparing your documents, and verifying OPM's determination letter.

Updated June 2026 • For FERS employees • 3 phases covering pre-application through OPM processing

Key fact: OPM's average processing time in May 2026 was 66 days (digital) or 105 days (paper). But agency HR and payroll steps add ~111 days before OPM even starts. Total pipeline: 4–6 months digital, 6–9 months paper. Plan your cash reserves accordingly.

Build your independent annuity baseline

Run the numbers before HR does. Compare your calculation to OPM's letter line by line.

FERS Calculator High-3 Calculator

Phase A

Phase A: Pre-Application (12–6 Months Out)

Build your independent baseline now. Errors found at this stage take a phone call to fix. Errors found after OPM finalizes your annuity require a formal reconsideration request within 30 days.

Records & Service Verification

Pull ALL SF-50s from eOPF (eopf.opm.gov) — one for every personnel action since Day 1
Check Block 30 (retirement code: K or M = FERS), Block 31 (Leave SCD), Block 33 (work schedule)
Ask HR in writing for your Retirement SCD — it differs from Leave SCD for military deposits and LWOP
Verify your current sick leave balance (2,087 hours = 1 extra year of service credit)
Confirm military service deposit was paid AND posted to your Individual Retirement Record — payment and posting are separate steps
Check for LWOP periods exceeding 6 months in a calendar year — they can reduce creditable service

High-3 Average Salary

Identify your HIGHEST consecutive 36-month window anywhere in your career — not necessarily your last 3 years
List annual basic pay (base + locality) for each 12-month period using your SF-50 history
Use the FedTools High-3 Calculator to confirm your window
Document your High-3 figure and exact 36-month window (start date and end date)
Note: bonuses, overtime, and awards do NOT count — only base pay and locality pay

FEHB 5-Year Enrollment Verification

Confirm continuous FEHB enrollment for at least 5 years immediately before retirement
If you had gaps (e.g., on a spouse's plan), check with HR about OPM waiver eligibility
Review plan options during Open Season (typically November–December) with retirement premiums in mind
Note: FEHB premiums in retirement are deducted from your annuity before direct deposit

FEGLI Life Insurance Elections

Review current coverage: Basic, Option A (Standard), Option B (Additional), Option C (Family)
Decide post-retirement reduction schedule: 75% reduction (free), 50% (2% monthly), or no reduction
Verify SF-2823 (beneficiary designation) is current with correct beneficiaries
Compare post-retirement FEGLI cost vs. private term life insurance before committing

Phase B

Phase B: The Retirement Application Package (6 Months Out)

File SF-3107 through your agency HR — never directly to OPM. Give yourself at least 90 days before your planned retirement date.

Documents to Gather Before Submitting

Completed SF-3107 (FERS Application for Immediate Retirement) — submit through agency HR
Birth certificate or passport to verify age
Marriage certificate if electing survivor benefit; divorce decrees if applicable
Military DD-214 if military service is included in your creditable service
Survivor benefit consent form (SF 3107-2) if electing NO survivor benefit — requires spousal notarized signature
FEHB and FEGLI continuation election forms

Survivor Benefit Election (PERMANENT After 30 Days)

Full election: spouse receives 50% of unreduced annuity; your pension reduced 10%
Partial election: spouse receives 25% of unreduced annuity; your pension reduced 5%
No election: requires spouse's notarized written consent on SF 3107-2
Elected option and its monthly impact on your annuity — confirm before submitting

Verify with Agency HR Before Submitting

Request written retirement estimate from HR: High-3 on file, Retirement SCD, and projected annuity
Compare HR estimate against your independent calculation — discrepancies now are fixable; after OPM finalizes, use Form RI 38-47
Confirm military deposit is reflected in your official record (not just payroll)
Ask HR about agency-specific interim pay procedures while OPM processes your annuity
Digital (ORA) filing averages 66 days; paper averages 105 days — use ORA if your agency supports it

Phase C

Phase C: After Separation — Interim Pay & OPM Processing

The total pipeline from separation to first full annuity is 4–6 months (digital) or 6–9 months (paper). Budget for the gap.

Interim Pay — What to Expect

Agency HR and payroll steps add ~111 days before OPM even receives your file — this is before OPM's clock starts
OPM issues interim pay within 8 days of receiving your file — typically 60–80% of estimated annuity
Interim pay withholds ONLY federal income tax. FEHB, FEGLI, dental, and vision premiums are NOT deducted
Your first full annuity payment will include a lump-sum retroactive deduction for premiums not withheld during interim — budget for this
Track status: servicesonline.opm.gov or call OPM Retirement Services: 1-888-767-6738

When OPM's Determination Letter Arrives — Verify These Lines

High-3 figure and 36-month window match your documented calculation
Creditable service years match your records (including military and sick leave conversion)
Multiplier is correct: 1.0% (most cases) OR 1.1% (age 62+ AND 20+ years — BOTH conditions required)
Survivor benefit election matches your elected option exactly
Annual annuity amount matches your calculation (flag differences over $100/year)
If ANY figure differs: file Form RI 38-47 (reconsideration) within 30 calendar days of OPM's initial letter — this deadline is strict

Related FedTools Resources

FERS Retirement Calculator

Estimate your pension, survivor benefit impact, and optimal retirement date

High-3 Calculator

Find your highest consecutive 36 months of basic pay

OPM Processing Times 2026

Digital vs. paper timelines, interim pay explained, backlog data

How to Verify Your FERS Annuity

Build your independent baseline before OPM finalizes the numbers

Retirement Readiness Checklist

The full 5-year to separation-day timeline checklist

FERS Retirement Guide

Deep-dive on eligibility, pension formula, survivor benefits