You’ve done it. After years of federal service, you’ve submitted your retirement application to HR — the SF 3107, the FEGLI election form, your last leave statement — all neatly packaged and turned in.
But now what?
For many federal employees, the time between submitting your retirement paperwork and receiving your full pension can feel like a black hole. This period is often filled with questions, confusion, and — unfortunately — delays.
At Independence Benefits, we walk our clients through every stage of this transition. Here’s exactly what happens after you submit your application — and what you can do to stay informed and prepared.
1. Your Agency Certifies and Forwards Your Application to OPM
After you submit your retirement paperwork to your HR office, it doesn’t go straight to OPM. First, your agency:
- Reviews your forms for accuracy
- Prepares a Certified Summary of Federal Service
- Verifies your final leave balances and service history
- Then sends the full package to OPM’s Retirement Services Center in Boyers, Pennsylvania
This initial step can take a few weeks, depending on your agency’s processing speed. It’s a key reason why submitting early (at least 60–90 days out) is smart.
2. OPM Acknowledges Receipt and Begins Processing
Once OPM receives your file, they assign you a CSA (Civil Service Annuity) claim number and begin processing your retirement case.
Shortly after, you’ll receive:
- An acknowledgment letter confirming your claim number
- A notification that your case is under review
- An interim payment estimate
Keep this claim number — it’s how you track everything going forward.
3. You Begin Receiving Interim Payments
Here’s where most retirees get nervous. OPM usually cannot finalize your full pension right away, so they begin issuing interim payments to help cover the gap.
What are interim payments?
- Temporary partial payments (usually 60–80% of your estimated pension)
- Sent monthly, beginning 4–8 weeks after OPM receives your file
- Based on an estimate of your final pension
These payments are not the final word — they’re a placeholder until your case is finalized.
Final Adjudication: Your Pension Is Fully Calculated
Once your application is fully reviewed — including service credit, leave conversion, survivor benefit elections, and FEGLI — OPM will issue your:
- Final annuity payment amount
- Back pay for any underpaid interim months
- Formal annuity booklet summarizing your benefits
This process usually takes 2 to 4 months, but in some cases, it can take longer. OPM’s average processing time varies depending on backlog and case complexity.
We help our clients build a financial bridge for this waiting period so you’re not caught off guard.
5. You Can Track Your Claim with OPM
OPM has a dedicated phone line and online resources to track your case. With your CSA number, you can:
- Call 1-888-767-6738 for live updates
- Log into Services Online (once you’re fully adjudicated)
- Submit status inquiries if delays go beyond 90 days
We also show clients how to escalate through the right channels if processing stalls.
How We Help You Through the Waiting Period
We don’t just help you submit the application — we guide you through what happens next:
- Helping you plan cash flow for the interim pay period
- Tracking OPM updates and timelines
- Making sure your TSP, FEGLI, and Social Security strategies line up
- Answering all the “what if” questions that pop up in the gap
Retirement isn’t just about turning in paperwork — it’s about managing the transition smoothly.
Schedule Your Complimentary Federal Retirement Session
We’ll walk through your retirement timeline, pension estimate, TSP options, survivor benefits, and exactly what to expect — from submission to final payment.
📍 Book your session: https://retire.independencebenefits.com/consultation
📞 Or call 256-443-9964
