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Retiring at the end of 2026? The clock is already running. Here's exactly what has to happen, and when, so your first check isn't delayed.
Quick facts: Confirm your retirement date with HR first. End-of-year is the busiest retirement season in government. 10–12 weeks out: request an annuity estimate, pull your SF-50s and check your service computation date, and finish any military deposit or civilian redeposit before you separate. 8–10 weeks out: complete your SF 3107 retirement application with Schedules A, B and C, plus your survivor election (spouse consent is needed for less than a full survivor benefit). Ask HR how your agency uses OPM's Online Retirement Application. 6–8 weeks out: confirm you meet the 5-year rule for FEHB and FEGLI, decide on FEGLI reductions, and update your TSP (TSP-3) and FERS (SF 3102) beneficiaries. TSP withdrawals are separate from OPM, so you can wait on those. 2–4 weeks out: plan for 3–6 months of expenses while you're on interim pay, know your annual leave payout, and set up direct deposit and tax withholding. After your last day: your agency sends your package to OPM, interim pay starts, and your final annuity can take months. Keep copies of everything.
Educational only, not tax, investment, or legal advice. Haws Federal Advisors | HawsFederalAdvisors.com
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