The Office of Personnel Management retirement backlog fell 11 percent in May, with the agency processing 37 percent more claims than it received. The agency received 6,096 new claims last month, but processed more than 18,000. The backlog dropped to its lowest level in 2023 to date. The backlog fell by 11 percent in April, as well, and the agency continues to make progress on reducing outstanding claims.

In March, OPM launched a Retirement Quick Guide that shares what feds can expect through the retirement application process, how benefits are determined, and guidelines related to their interim and annuity payments. You can also view a three-page printable PDF version of the the quick guide here: https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/retirement-quick-guide/opm-retirement-quick-guide.pdf.

Lori Amos, Deputy Associate Director for OPM’s Retirement Services, recently commented on the progress made in 2023 on reducing the total number of outstanding retirement claims and new tools OPM has for prospective retirees. “This guide is our attempt to improve customer experience. We have put a lot of work, time, and effort based on feedback that we have received from our retiree community. Our goal is to be able to give [federal employees and retirees] information about the voluntary retirement process.”