When should I start planning for retirement?

Ideally, you should start planning at least 5 years before your target retirement date. This is critical because of the FEHB 5-year enrollment requirement — you must be enrolled in FEHB for the 5 consecutive years immediately before retirement to carry it into retirement. The 5-year window is also important for maximizing your high-3 average salary (seeking promotions or step increases), reviewing FEGLI coverage, and making strategic TSP contribution decisions. Even if retirement is further away, reviewing your benefits every few years ensures you're on track and haven't overlooked important elections or opportunities.

What paperwork do I need to file to retire?

The primary retirement application is Standard Form 3107 (Application for Immediate Retirement), which you typically submit 60 days before your retirement date (but check with your agency's specific requirements). You'll also need to complete SF-2823 for survivor benefit elections, SF-3102 for beneficiary designations, and ensure all your TSP beneficiary forms are current. If you're keeping FEGLI, you'll need to complete the appropriate continuation forms. Your HR office will provide a retirement packet with all required forms. Having your documentation organized in advance — SF-50s, leave balances, military service records — speeds up the process significantly.

How long does OPM take to process my retirement?

OPM processing times vary based on application volume, complexity of your case, and whether all documentation is complete and accurate. During the interim period (while OPM processes your full annuity), you typically receive an interim annuity payment that's often lower than your final amount. Once OPM completes processing, you'll receive your full annuity plus any retroactive payments owed. To minimize delays, ensure your retirement application is complete, accurate, and submitted with all required documentation. Work closely with your HR office to verify everything is in order before submission.

Can I work after I retire from federal service?

Yes, but there are important considerations. If you receive the FERS supplement (available if you retire at MRA with 30 years, or age 60 with 20 years), it's subject to an earnings test similar to Social Security — if you earn above the annual limit, your supplement may be reduced or eliminated. The supplement ends at age 62 regardless. Your FERS annuity itself is not affected by post-retirement employment income. If you return to work for the federal government, different rules apply — you may have your annuity offset by your new salary, and you generally cannot earn additional retirement credit. Private sector employment or self-employment has no impact on your FERS annuity.

What if I want to come back as a federal contractor after retirement?

Many federal retirees work as contractors, and this generally does not affect your FERS annuity. As a contractor, you're employed by a private company (not the federal government), so the reemployment offset rules don't apply. You continue receiving your full annuity while earning contractor income. However, if you're receiving the FERS supplement and you're under age 62, contractor income counts as earned income and may reduce your supplement if you exceed the annual earnings limit. Consulting your HR office or a financial advisor before accepting contractor work can help you understand the impact on your specific situation, particularly regarding the FERS supplement and any agency-specific policies.

RETIREMENT CHECKLIST

Federal Retirement Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Retire

Retiring from federal service involves dozens of decisions and deadlines. Missing a single requirement can delay your annuity payments or cost you thousands in lost benefits. This comprehensive checklist ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED CHECKLIST →

Federal employee reviewing retirement checklist and paperwork

"Retire with confidence, not questions. The checklist ensures you didn't miss anything critical."

— Mike Stevens, IAR

Checklist Items

30+ action items

Timeline

12 months before retirement

Forms

SF-3107, SF-2823, etc.

Review

Personalized to your situation

Cost

Included

THE PROBLEM

Does This Sound Familiar?

You don't know what to do 5 years before retirement

The 5-year FEHB enrollment requirement, maximizing your high-3 salary, and understanding your FERS calculation all require action years before your planned retirement date.

You're overwhelmed by all the forms and deadlines

SF-3107, SF-2823, TSP-70, TSP-U-1, beneficiary designations, FEHB continuation — the paperwork is extensive and errors can delay your annuity for months.

You're afraid of missing critical deadlines

Open Season elections, TSP withdrawal decisions, Medicare enrollment, and retirement application submission all have specific windows. Missing one can have permanent consequences.

You don't know how long OPM takes to process

According to OPM, processing times can vary significantly. Planning for potential delays in receiving your full annuity is essential for avoiding financial stress.

THE SOLUTION

How We Help

Personalized Federal Retirement Timeline

We create a customized retirement checklist and timeline specific to your situation — mapping out exactly what you need to do at 5 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, and 30 days before your planned retirement date.

Federal retirement involves coordinating FERS annuity applications, TSP withdrawal elections, FEHB continuation, FEGLI decisions, Social Security planning, and Medicare enrollment. Each has its own requirements, forms, and deadlines. We ensure you complete every step correctly and on time so your transition to retirement is smooth and your benefits start without delay.

Your Retirement Checklist Includes:

5 Years Before: Verify FEHB enrollment, maximize high-3 salary, review FEGLI coverage
1 Year Before: Attend retirement planning sessions, verify service credits, update beneficiaries
6 Months Before: Decide survivor benefit election, plan TSP withdrawals, coordinate Social Security
3 Months Before: Submit retirement application (SF-3107), finalize FEHB plan selection
30 Days Before: Complete final certifications, arrange interim annuity, verify direct deposit
At Retirement: Enroll in Medicare (if eligible), file TSP withdrawal election, track OPM processing

How it Works

It's just three steps

BECOME A CLIENT

Step 1) Build Your Timeline ▾

Create a personalized retirement timeline based on your planned retirement date, mapping out every action item and deadline.

Step 2) Complete the Checklist ▾

Work through each phase systematically — verifying eligibility, making benefit elections, and completing required paperwork.

Step 3) Monitor & Adjust ▾

Track your retirement application with OPM, coordinate benefit start dates, and adjust plans as needed based on processing timelines.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Retirement Checklist FAQ

Everything you need to know about preparing for federal retirement.

Get Your Checklist