OPM continues to deal with a backlog of federal retirement applications, as August saw 9,416 employees file for retirement. This is a slight increase from the 8,295 applications received in July, and a nearly 33% increase from the number of applications processed in August of 2024. OPM was able to process 11,195 claims in August, which reduced the current backlog from 26,138 to 24,359. The average processing time has reached a whopping 70 days, an 11-day increase from July’s 59-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%
August 2024: 7,083
August 2025: 9,416
Increase: 32.9%
Jan – August 2024: 63,839
Jan – August 2025: 88,062
Increase: 37.9%
Mistakes or missing information in federal retirement applications 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
