If you’re a federal employee approaching retirement, you’ve likely heard about the Online Retirement Application (ORA).
This new system from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is designed to replace paper retirement applications with a streamlined, web-based process.
While ORA can make retiring from federal service easier, it’s not foolproof — and small mistakes can still delay your benefits.
This guide will walk you through what ORA is, who can use it, how it works, and how to make sure your application is processed smoothly.
What Is the Online Retirement Application (ORA)?
The Online Retirement Application (ORA) is a secure portal provided by OPM that allows eligible federal employees to:
Complete and submit their retirement paperwork online
Track the progress of their application
Communicate with OPM during processing
It was developed to:
Reduce paperwork and physical mailing delays
Speed up processing times for retirements
Improve transparency so retirees can check their application status anytime
Who Can Use ORA?
As of now, ORA is primarily available to FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) participants, with plans to expand to other retirement systems in the future.
To use ORA, you generally need to:
Be within your agency’s retirement application window (often 60–90 days before your retirement date)
Have accurate and complete personnel records in your Official Personnel Folder (OPF)
Access the ORA portal through your agency’s HR or retirement services
If you’re in CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) or another plan, check with your HR department to confirm availability.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your ORA
Step 1 – Gather Required Information
Before you log in, have these ready:
SF-50s showing your career history
Service computation date
TSP account details if you plan withdrawals or rollovers
FEGLI (Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance) coverage choices
Banking info for direct deposit
Step 2 – Access the ORA Portal
You’ll typically receive a secure link from your HR department with instructions to log in using your federal credentials.
Step 3 – Fill Out Your Application
You’ll enter:
Personal details
Retirement date
Pension options
Benefit elections for TSP, FEGLI, and survivor annuities
Step 4 – Review and Certify
Carefully check every section — even small typos or date errors can cause delays.
Step 5 – Submit and Track
Once submitted, you’ll receive confirmation and can log in anytime to track your application’s progress.
Common ORA Mistakes That Delay Benefits
Even though ORA is designed to make things easier, it doesn’t eliminate human error. Some of the most common mistakes include:
Incorrect service history – Missing time in your record can lower your pension calculation.
Incomplete benefit elections – Forgetting to finalize TSP or FEGLI choices before submitting.
Wrong retirement date – Setting a date before you’re eligible or during a blackout period.
Delaying submission – Waiting until the last minute can push your retirement processing past your intended date.
ORA vs. Paper Retirement Applications
| Feature | ORA | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster submission & processing | Slower, reliant on mail |
| Transparency | Can track status online | Must call OPM for updates |
| Error Handling | Alerts for missing fields | Errors often found after mailing |
| Environmental Impact | Paperless | Paper-heavy |
FAQs About the ORA
Q: Can I still file my retirement application by paper?
Yes — paper forms are still accepted, but ORA is encouraged for faster processing.
Q: How long does ORA processing take?
While faster than paper, OPM processing can still take 2–4 months after your agency sends your application.
Q: Can I change my retirement date after submitting in ORA?
You can request a change before OPM finalizes your application, but it may cause delays.
Q: What if I make a mistake?
Contact your HR retirement specialist or OPM immediately — some errors can be fixed in ORA, others require a supplemental form.
How Independence Benefits Helps With ORA
At Independence Benefits, we guide federal employees through:
Reviewing their service history for accuracy
Calculating their FERS pension and TSP withdrawals
Making the right FEGLI and survivor benefit choices
Submitting the ORA correctly the first time
Our goal is simple: Help you retire on time with the full benefits you’ve earned — without costly delays.
Final Thoughts
The Online Retirement Application (ORA) is a step forward for federal retirement processing — but it’s not perfect.
Proper preparation, attention to detail, and benefit planning are still critical to retiring smoothly.
If you’re nearing retirement, now is the time to review your records, make your benefit elections, and get expert guidance on completing the ORA.
Need help with your ORA?
📅 Schedule your free federal retirement consultation here
We’ll walk you through the process, ensure your benefits are correct, and help you retire with confidence.
