OPM continues to deal with a backlog of federal retirement applications, as July saw 8,295 employees file for retirement. While this number is down from the 13,340 applications received in June, it is nearly a 30% increase from the number of applications processed in July of 2024. OPM was able to process 8,485 claims in July, which slightly reduced the current backlog from 26,328 to 26,138. The average processing time has surged to 59 days, a two-week increase from June’s 45-day average.
Here’s how the numbers stack up YTD*:
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%
July 2024: 6,451
July 2025: 8,295
Increase: 28.6%
Jan – July 2024: 56,756
Jan – July 2025: 78,646
Increase: 38.6%
Mistakes or missing information in retirement applications can significantly delay processing, postponing your access to full benefits. The most common mistakes include incomplete personal identification details, incorrect documentation of marital status, 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
