OPM Backlog of CSRS and FERS Retirement applications decreases 3.3% in September 2025. Avergae monthly processing time continues to climb, delaying full pension checks for recent retirees.
The Office of Personnel Management received 6095 federal retirement claims in September 2025, down from 9416 in August. They were able to process 7902 claims and brought the backlog down to 23,552. Much higher than it was at the same time last year.
Learn the latest about the new Online Retirement Application process for FERS.
The average retirement application processing time increased from 70 days in August to 76 days in September, a dramatic uptick from the 59 day processing time in July.
The annual average of the monthly processing time of benefits decreased from 62 days in September 2024 to 56 days in September 2025.
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When you are ready to file for retirement, you start by filing your retirement application with your agency. After the retirement claim is filed, the application stays with the agency until your retirement date. Then, the agency processes your final paycheck and annual leave payout and sends the paperwork to OPM. Once OPM receives your paperwork, they will send you a letter with your retirement claim number. Note: You can find out the status of processing with the claim number.
The most common processing delay is caused by errors in the application. If a federal worker made any corrections to their retirement package, such as crossing items out, whiteouts, or corrections, OPM would not accept the package and would increase the time for retirement claim processing. Current federal employees should work with their HR office to ensure no corrections are on the pages. If there was a mistake, it is best to use a new form and fill it out without errors.
Federal retirees can use OPMs’ Retirement Services online to track your claim number. You can also reach out to their staff by phone at 888-767-6738.
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