The Retirement Process

NARFE Federal Benefits Institute presents

The Retirement Process

Thursday, March 26, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET

Retiring from federal service involves several key steps, primarily managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The process typically takes three to five months to complete. OPM recommends you submit your application to your agency at least 60 days prior to your planned retirement date. During processing, most retirees receive interim payments of 60 to 80 percent of their full benefit. Join NARFE benefits specialist Tony Opat for a comprehensive overview of the federal retirement process, covering each stage from start to finish, including the following topics:

• Preparation timeframe (how soon should you start preparing?)
• Creating an actionable checklist  
• Verify total years of service, and understand how your high-three average salary is determined
• Confirm life and health insurance coverage
• Set up direct deposit and decide how your taxes should be withheld
• Learn about common application mistakes  
• Confirm that your application is complete and finalized
• Learn what happens at OPM after you submit your application

A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Join our session on March 26 to find out how the federal retirement process works and get tips on making the most of your benefits for an easy transition.