Your federal retirement readiness checklist

Every step below is here for a reason. Errors in your service record, a missed FEHB enrollment window, or a rushed survivor election can cost you thousands of dollars for the rest of your retirement. Work the timeline in order, and by the time you file your SF-3107 the outcome is already decided.

Five or more years before: foundation and strategy

This is the strategic planning phase, when you still have time to fix records and implement multi-year strategies.

• Verify your Service Computation Date (SCD). Request your Official Personnel Folder and confirm your SCD is accurate. Errors in creditable service can reduce your FERS pension by thousands. Verify all prior federal positions, military service, and any periods of leave without pay are correctly reflected.
• Confirm your FEHB 5-year enrollment chain. Verify you have been continuously enrolled in FEHB and will maintain enrollment for 5 consecutive years before retirement. Any gaps, including periods on a spouse's plan, can disqualify you from carrying health coverage into retirement.
• Investigate military buyback. If you have military service, analyze whether buying back that time makes financial sense. The deposit is 3 percent of military base pay, plus interest if more than 3 years have elapsed since separation. Military buyback adds creditable service to your FERS calculation and can significantly increase your pension.
• Review your TSP allocation and contributions. Make sure you are contributing at least enough to capture the full 5 percent agency match. Review your TSP allocation across the L, C, S, I, G, and F funds to confirm your investment mix aligns with your retirement timeline. Consider whether the TSP Mutual Fund Window offers diversification benefits for your situation.
• Start tracking retirement expenses. Begin documenting your actual monthly spending to build a realistic retirement budget. Understanding your true cost of living, including healthcare, travel, and hobbies, is essential for determining whether your combined FERS pension, TSP withdrawals, and Social Security will support your lifestyle.
• Consider a federal benefits specialist. A specialist who focuses on federal employee benefits can identify optimization opportunities you might miss, from military buyback decisions to tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. Early engagement gives you time to implement multi-year strategies.

Three years before: benefit optimization

Now the numbers get real. This is when you confirm estimates and lock in decisions that take time to pay off.

• Get an official pension estimate. Request a formal benefits estimate from your agency HR office or model your projected annuity yourself. Compare your high-3 salary trajectory and confirm the numbers match your expectations. This is also the time to verify that any military buyback or deposit service is correctly reflected.
• Review FEGLI costs in retirement. FEGLI Option B and Option C premiums increase significantly at age 60 and above and can become prohibitively expensive in retirement. Analyze whether your current coverage level is worth continuing, and explore private term or whole life alternatives while you are still insurable. Locking in private coverage now can save tens of thousands over your retirement.
• Analyze your Social Security claiming strategy. Understand how the FERS supplement bridges the gap between early retirement and age 62, and model different Social Security claiming ages (62, full retirement age, or 70). With WEP and GPO now eliminated, many federal retirees have more flexibility. Each year of delay past full retirement age adds 8 percent in delayed retirement credits.
• Update estate documents. Review and update your will, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations on all accounts including TSP, FEGLI, and FERS. Coordinate your FERS survivor benefit election with your overall estate plan. If you are married, discuss survivor annuity options. This decision is irrevocable at retirement and requires spousal consent to waive.
• Model tax scenarios for retirement. Project your retirement tax situation by combining FERS annuity, TSP withdrawals, Social Security, and any other income. Evaluate whether Roth conversions in your final working years, when you may be in a lower bracket, could reduce your lifetime tax burden. Consider the impact of Required Minimum Distributions starting at age 73.

One year before: final preparations

This is the implementation phase. Elections you make here shape your income for the rest of your life.

• Confirm your final pension calculation. Request an updated FERS annuity estimate that reflects your current high-3 salary and total creditable service, including projected sick leave. Verify the calculation accounts for any special provisions (law enforcement, firefighter, air traffic controller) that apply to your position.
• Choose your FEHB plan for retirement. Research FEHB plans available to retirees and compare premiums, networks, and prescription coverage. If you are approaching 65, evaluate how each plan coordinates with Medicare. You can change plans during Open Season or at retirement, but you cannot re-enroll if you ever drop coverage.
• Make your final FEGLI elections. Decide which FEGLI options to continue into retirement. You must make this election at retirement. Basic coverage continues automatically with a 75 percent reduction, but Options A, B, and C require active election. If you secured private coverage, this is when you can drop FEGLI.
• Decide on your survivor annuity. Choose full (50 percent of your pension to a surviving spouse), partial (25 percent), or no survivor benefit. This election is irrevocable and requires notarized spousal consent if you choose less than full. The cost is 10 percent of your annuity for full or 5 percent for partial. Factor this into your retirement income projections.
• Set your retirement date. Choose a strategic retirement date. The end of a leave period (typically end of month or end of pay period) maximizes your final paycheck and leave payout. If you are close to a step increase or within-grade date, waiting a few weeks can permanently increase your high-3 average and your pension.
• Begin TSP withdrawal planning. Develop your TSP withdrawal strategy: monthly installments, partial lump sum, TSP life annuity, or a combination. Consider the tax implications of each option and whether rolling part of your TSP to an IRA gives you more flexibility. Federal employees who separate at age 55 or older avoid the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty.

Final three months: the formal application

This is the application phase, where the paperwork becomes official and timing matters.

• Submit your SF-3107 (60 to 90 days out). File your Application for Immediate Retirement with your agency HR office. OPM requires a minimum of 60 days notice; most agencies prefer 90 days or more. Include your marriage certificate, DD-214 (if applicable), birth certificate, and notarized spouse consent if electing less than full survivor benefit.
• Elect your TSP withdrawal method. Prepare your TSP withdrawal election (TSP-70 or online request). You cannot process a withdrawal until after your retirement effective date, but having your strategy decided and paperwork ready prevents delays. Remember that TSP withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income in the year received.
• Prepare for the interim annuity period. OPM typically takes 2 to 6 months to fully process your retirement. During this time you will receive an interim annuity of approximately 85 percent of your estimated pension, usually within 4 to 8 weeks. Build a cash reserve to cover any gap between your last paycheck and the first interim payment, and budget for the reduced amount until final adjudication.
• Notify the relevant parties. Inform your supervisor, HR office, and any professional contacts of your retirement date. If you work with a financial advisor, schedule a transition meeting to coordinate pension, TSP, Social Security, and investment income in your first year of retirement.
• Document your leave balances. Verify your annual leave balance (you will receive a lump-sum payout for unused annual leave) and sick leave balance (which converts to additional creditable service for your annuity calculation). Every 174 hours of sick leave equals approximately one additional month of service credit under FERS.

Final month: transition and coordination

The last weeks are about confirming everything landed and setting up your cash flow for the gap ahead.

• Verify all applications. Confirm HR received all retirement paperwork, verify your effective date, and ensure there are no missing forms or signatures.
• Coordinate direct deposit. Set up or verify banking information for your retirement annuity payments, TSP distributions, and Social Security if applicable.
• Plan gap coverage. Understand there may be a gap between your final paycheck and your first retirement payment. Plan your cash flow accordingly.
• Handle your healthcare transition. Understand when FEHB coverage transitions, get necessary prescriptions filled, and schedule any needed medical appointments.
• Update your address and contact info. Ensure OPM has your current address for retirement communications, and update your contact info with TSP and the Social Security Administration.

Retirement day and beyond

You made it. A few final habits keep your benefits accurate and your income on track.

• Monitor your first payments. Watch for interim payments from OPM (the first full payment may take 30 to 60 days). TSP distributions should begin as scheduled.
• Review your annual statements. Verify all retirement benefit amounts are correct on your first statements. Contact the appropriate agencies immediately if you find errors.
• Plan your Social Security timing. If you are eligible for the FERS supplement, it should begin automatically. Plan your Social Security claiming strategy for age 62 and beyond based on your situation.
• Schedule annual benefit reviews. Review your retirement income, tax situation, healthcare needs, and investment performance each year to stay on track.
• Enjoy your retirement. You earned it through years of federal service. Take time to enjoy the security and benefits of your well-planned retirement.

2026 key deadlines and filing windows

A quick reference for the dates and windows that carry hard consequences if you miss them.

• SF-3107 submission. File 60 to 90 days before your retirement effective date. OPM requires a minimum of 60 days; most agencies prefer 90 or more.
• TSP withdrawal. Cannot be processed until after your retirement effective date. Submit your election (TSP-70 or online) once you are separated.
• FEHB election. Change plans during Open Season (November to December) or at retirement. You cannot re-enroll once you drop coverage.
• FEGLI election. Made at the time of retirement. Basic coverage continues with a 75 percent reduction; Options A, B, and C require active election.
• Survivor annuity. Elected at retirement. Choosing less than full survivor benefit requires notarized spousal consent. This decision is irrevocable once your retirement is processed.
• Medicare Part B enrollment. Enroll within 8 months of losing employer group health coverage to avoid late-enrollment penalties. Most federal retirees with FEHB should still enroll in Part B at 65 to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start planning my federal retirement?

Start planning your federal retirement at least 5 years before your intended retirement date. This gives you time to optimize your FERS pension calculation, maximize TSP contributions, ensure FEHB eligibility, review FEGLI needs, plan Social Security coordination, and make any necessary adjustments to your federal benefits. Early planning allows you to take advantage of strategies like military buyback, sick leave maximization, and high-3 salary optimization that require time to implement properly.

How far in advance should I submit my retirement application?

OPM recommends submitting your retirement application (SF-3107 for FERS) at least 60 days before your intended retirement date. However, many agencies prefer 90 days or more to ensure all paperwork is processed smoothly. Submitting early gives your HR office time to review your application, request any missing documentation, and resolve discrepancies before your effective date. Check with your specific agency for their preferred timeline.

How long does OPM take to process retirement?

OPM typically takes 2 to 6 months to fully process a federal retirement application. During this processing period, you will receive an interim annuity, approximately 85 percent of your estimated pension, which usually begins within 4 to 8 weeks of your retirement effective date. Once OPM completes final adjudication, your annuity will be adjusted to the correct amount and you will receive any back pay owed.

Can I change my mind after submitting my retirement application?

You can withdraw your retirement application at any time before your effective retirement date by submitting a written request to your agency's HR office. However, after your effective date has passed, reinstatement to federal service requires agency approval and is not guaranteed. Factors such as your position, agency needs, and the length of time since retirement all affect whether reinstatement is possible. Consider your decision carefully before your effective date.

What documents do I need for federal retirement?

Key documents for federal retirement include: SF-3107 (Application for Immediate Retirement, FERS), TSP-70 or online withdrawal request for TSP distributions, proof of birth (birth certificate or passport), marriage certificate if electing survivor benefits, DD-214 if claiming military service credit, and notarized spouse consent form if waiving or reducing survivor annuity. Each agency may require additional forms, so consult your HR office early to compile everything you need.

What is the interim annuity?

The interim annuity is a temporary payment of approximately 85 percent of your estimated FERS pension that OPM pays while your full retirement application is being processed. It typically begins within 4 to 8 weeks of your retirement effective date and continues for 2 to 6 months until OPM completes final adjudication. The interim payment does not include survivor benefit reductions or any other adjustments. Those are applied once your case is fully processed, and you will receive retroactive adjustments at that time.

How do I ensure I meet the 5-year FEHB rule?

To carry FEHB into retirement, you must be enrolled for 5 consecutive years immediately before retirement. Check your personnel records to verify continuous enrollment. If you have any gaps (such as periods covered under a spouse's plan), you may not be eligible. Limited exceptions exist for military service or involuntary loss of spousal coverage. If you are close to but do not meet the 5-year requirement, consider extending your retirement date to qualify, as FEHB is extremely valuable in retirement.

Should I take a lump sum TSP withdrawal or monthly payments?

This depends on your overall financial situation, other retirement income sources, investment knowledge, and estate planning goals. TSP offers four withdrawal options: lump sum, monthly installments, TSP annuity, or a combination. Consider factors like investment management capability, need for guaranteed income, tax implications, and estate planning. Many retirees benefit from keeping some money in the low-cost TSP while taking systematic withdrawals. Federal employees who separate at age 55 or older can access TSP without the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty.

When should I claim Social Security as a federal retiree?

Federal employees have unique considerations for Social Security timing. Key factors include: the FERS supplement ends at age 62, potentially creating an income gap if you delay Social Security, your FERS pension provides some income security allowing flexibility in timing, delayed retirement credits of 8 percent per year from full retirement age to 70, and tax implications of combined FERS and Social Security income. With WEP and GPO now eliminated, many federal retirees benefit from claiming at full retirement age (66 to 67) to bridge the gap when the FERS supplement ends, but individual situations vary significantly.