OPM Launches Online Retirement Portal, Pushing 95% of Federal Claims Digital

3 articles · Updated · Government Executive · Jul 9

OPM said more than 95% of federal retirement applications are now filed electronically as it fully launches the Online Retirement Application and declares a "Last Day of Paper."
The shift is meant to cut mailing and manual-entry delays, with digital claims finalized in 34 to 66 days on average from January through May versus 60 to 87 days for total claims.
OPM is also starting approvals before final payroll details are complete and is targeting a first pension payment within seven days of retirement for complete applications filed by a worker's last day.
ORA is now mandatory not only for current employees but also for former workers seeking deferred or postponed retirement, while agencies move from gatekeepers to support roles.
The system handled more than 155,000 applications last year, and nearly 100,000 claims had been processed through May 2026, though missing records and other documentation issues can still slow payments.