click image to view the retirement quick reference guide
Subject: What to Expect After Your Retirement Package Leaves the Agency
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement and thank you for your dedicated service!
As you prepare for this exciting next chapter, we want to ensure you understand what happens after your retirement application leaves FMCS and moves through the payroll office, the National Finance Center (NFC), and to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for final processing.
Payroll Office
In addition to issuing your final paycheck and any payment for unused annual leave, your payroll office also plays an important role in assembling documentation for your retirement. Our payroll office is external, NFC, which can increase the time needed to assemble and send your records to OPM for processing.
As we are entering the peak retirement season, (September through December 2025), we want to inform you that the National Finance Center (NFC) will be experiencing high volumes of retirement submissions. As a result, the estimated processing time during this period is 60 to 90 days.
Please be assured that NFC is working diligently to process all retirement cases and forward them to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Staying Informed:
- You can check the status of your retirement by calling OPM Retirement Services at 1-888-767-6738. After submission to OPM, they will become your primary point of contact.
- To check your OPM retirement status, visit the OPM Services Online portal at servicesonline.opm.gov and log in using your Login.gov account. Once logged in, you can view your case status, which can be “Retirement Application Received,” “Interim Pay Issued,” “Assigned to Specialist,” or “Case Finalized”. You can also find your status by contacting OPM by phone, but you will need the CSA or CSF claim number and PIN issued to you by the Office of Personnel Management.
- You will need to register and log in to OPM Services Online to view your annuity payments, update tax or banking information, and manage benefits.
- FMCS will post any new guidance or resources pertaining to DRP Retirees on this webpage as they are made available.
We wish you a smooth transition and a fulfilling retirement ahead!
Helpful Links:
Quick Guide to the Federal Retirement Process – Youtube – Video
OPM Retirement Center Quick Guide – OPM retirement Quick Guide
OPM Retirement Services Online – Services Online lets annuitants (federal retirees or their spouses, ex-spouses, and children) manage their account online. Your account is securely protected by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
OPM Services Online Capabilities
- Change your Federal and State Income Tax withholding
- Open Season FEHB changes
- Obtain duplicate tax statement s (1099-R)
- Change your Mailing Address
- Set up or Change your Direct Deposit
- Update your E-mail Address and Opt-in to receive Information Electronically
- View/Print Annuity
OPM Tax Information for Annuitants – Tax Information
OPM Forms – OPM Standard Forms
Information for TSP Participants – Brochure – This fact sheet is for federal civilian employees who are leaving federal employment and who have a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account.
Forms and Information on TSP Withdrawals – Information on withdrawing your form your TSP account.
Medicare -Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and older. Do you have to take Part B? – No, but there are some advantages to enrolling such as: your FEHB plan may waive its copay & deductibles for Part B services. For more information visit or call Medicare.
Social Security – You can view your SS statements, check the status of your application, order a new card.
BENEFEDS – FEDVIP – The benefits marketplace for eligible participants to shop, enroll, and pay for voluntary benefits, including the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).