OPM continues to deal with high numbers of federal retirement applications, as June saw 13,430 employees file for retirement. While this number is down from the 15,048 applications that were received in May, it is nearly double the number of applications processed in June of 2024. Of the 13,430 claims received, 8,585 were processed, about 64%. The average processing time has been reduced to 45 days, an improvement from 49 days in the prior months. However, the surge in federal retirement applications has led to a backlog of 26,328 claims waiting to be processed.
Here’s how the numbers stack up over the first half of the year*:
January 2024: 12,997
January 2025: 16,101
Increase: 23.9%
February 2024: 8,794
February 2025: 9,637
Increase: 9.6%
March 2024: 7,943
March 2025: 7,803
Decrease: 1.8%
April 2024: 6,901
April 2025: 8,332
Increase: 20.7%
May 2024: 6,751
May 2025: 15,048
Increase: 122.9%
June 2024: 6,919
June 2025:13,430
Increase: 94.1%
Jan – June 2024: 50,305
Jan – June 2025: 70,351
Increase: 39.8%
Mistakes or missing information in your retirement application can significantly delay processing, postponing your access to full benefits. The most common mistakes include incomplete personal identification details, incorrect marital status documentation, and discrepancies in federal service records.
Not sure if you’re retirement ready? Overwhelmed by navigating the complex process of federal retirement? Reach out to a Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC®) who understands your unique benefits.
*https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/retirement-statistics/retirement-processing-status.pdf
