The Retirement “Traffic Jam” (And Why So Many People Are Stuck Waiting)
I talk to a lot of people who’ve already retired—or thought they had—and are still waiting on their money. No clear answers, no timeline, just a lot of frustration. Here’s what’s actually happening, without the government-speak.
First off, OPM can’t start anything until your agency sends over your paperwork. Even when everything runs smoothly, that step usually takes around 30 days after your retirement date. When you add backlogs, staffing issues, or shutdown-related delays, that wait can grow quickly (and has).
Another big reason for delays is that about 20% of retirement applications are missing something when they arrive. It could be a signature, a court order, or military service paperwork.. When that happens, the file gets kicked back for corrections, and the clock basically pauses until it’s fixed.
Once OPM has a complete application in hand:
- Some cases are finished in under 60 days, averaging about 46 days
- Others take longer than 60 days, averaging close to 98 days
All together, the average processing time sits at about 79 days—and that’s after OPM receives the paperwork. It doesn’t include the time between your last day on the job and when your agency submits everything.
While you’re waiting, interim pay is supposed to help keep money coming in.
- Around 75% of retirees start interim pay within 30 days
- The other 25%, usually more complex cases, may wait up to 60 days
Interim pay is typically around 80% of your estimated final annuity, with any adjustments and back pay handled once everything is finalized.
Bottom line:
If you elected the DRP and you’re still waiting, this delay isn’t unique to you. Tens of thousands of people are moving through the same slow system.
I know it’s frustrating—but hang in there. You’re definitely not alone.
If you’re in this waiting period and feeling unsure about what comes next, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Independence Benefits, we sit down with you to run the income numbers, walk through the forms, review your options, and make sure everything makes sense. And sometimes, it’s not even about the paperwork—it’s just having someone in your corner while you wait.
Retirement can feel uncertain when the process drags on, but having a plan (and a little reassurance) can make all the difference. Whether you need help confirming income, double-checking details, or just some moral support, we’re here for you.
You’ve already put in the years of work—now let us help you move through this next chapter with clarity and confidence.
