"You've got to really look it over when you get your benefit to make sure you're getting everything that you've earned," said Tammy Flanagan.
The post Retirement season is in full swing, and we’ve got smart tips for federal employees navigating the process first appeared on Federal News Network.
...https://federalnewsnetwork.com/retirement/2025/08/retirement-season-is-in-full-swing-and-weve-got-smart-tips-for-federal-employees-navigating-the-process/The new OPM online retirement application system is terrible, or maybe it’s just the rollout at my agency that’s no good. I filled & submitted out my application on paper in April, the agency accepted it and I was done submitting everything before May 30. Then I got notification that I needed to start over with the ORA online system. I’ve had to start over three times now, once because OPM changed URLs, dumping all incomplete applications in the process, then twice more because the information my HR department uploaded was wrong each time. It seems as though the delays and errors to stall applications are intentional, as if they’re trying to cause the applicant to make errors through frustration of repeating the application process multiple times. And as we all know, a single error delays your payments. SMH!
@DDamp - any tips or things that you’ve seen over the years to help with this? Or feedback your getting from others right now? I know you always have great insights on federal retirement.
Try completing the “paper” SF 3107 first (Forms). This will help you prepare for the questions you will be answering on the ORA. Also, you will sign your “Certified Summary of Federal Service” after you submit your application and your retirement specialist completes the summary of your service.
I suggest downloading the FERS 3107 form before applying for retirement under OPM’s new online portal. The downloaded form includes several pages of detailed instructions that will explain many of your options that you must select for retirement. Also, download a copy of your eOPM (Employees’ Official Personnel File). It provides abundant information that you will need to apply to validate your Service Computation Date (SCD) and for reference after you leave federal service. Use the downloaded form to compile the information you will need to complete your online application. Take time to evaluate the benefits you will carry into retirement, because after retirement, you will not be able to make changes. Use the Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide to review all of your retirement options, and it provides additional resources to help you through the entire process.
Thanks for the heads up, I replied as suggested.
Dennis
In a message dated 8/17/2025 7:58:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time, notifications@fedwork.discoursemail.com writes: