OPM is not busy right now, so most retirements are being processed in a timely manner. The ones that are taking more time are the ones that will always be that way. Military time, time on workman's comp, LWOP time and divorce settlements. But that is about to change.
Right now, there are not a lot of people retiring. That will change with the coming of the end of the year. Most people, for one reason or another, chose to retire at the end of a year. So, if you are one of those people planning to do so I would suggest calling OPM as soon as possible within the six months of your target retirement date. Get on the books for your consultation and your paperwork in. This way you hopefully will decrease the time it takes to finalize your retirement.
Call OPM at 877-477-3273 option 5 and request your Bluebook and set up your consultation time and date. You can have that done on the clock, but most people prefer to do it at home with their spouse only with no fear of any personal information being overheard by anyone else.
Also remember that if you are 62 at time of retirement you will not get the supplement so you may want to opt for Social Security at that time. If so, you need to contact Social Security and apply. You can do that at least three months before retirement so that you get your first check the first month you can. Best way to do this is online. Social Security has changed, and your birthday will determine when you get your check each month.
I am often asked why we tell people to retire at the end of the month. It is very simple. Your retirement payments start at the first of the next month from which you retired. So, if you say retire on the fifth of January your first payment will be dated February first. If you retire at the end of the month there will be no gap in payments to you. Other, of course, the amount of time it takes to process your retirement. You will get a check for any annual leave left in a check soon after retirement. Remember any sick leave will be rounded up in month time blocks and added to your service time. It may not be used for your minimum requirements towards retirement. ONLY as additional service time for reasons of payment. Any days not totaling up to a month will be lost.
As always, we are here to answer any questions you may have about retirement. Or anything else for that matter. Just contact the Union Office for assistance.
