Interactive Federal Retirement Checklist
Step-by-step roadmap for FERS & CSRS federal employees preparing for retirement. Track your progress from 5 years out down to your final 60 days.
Phase 1: 5 Years Out
Foundation, Service Credit & FEHB 5-Year Rule Verification
Verify 5-Year Continuous FEHB & FEGLI Eligibility
Ensure you are enrolled in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and FEGLI for 5 consecutive years immediately preceding retirement to carry coverage into retirement.
Request Official Certified Summary of Federal Service (SF 3107-1)
Review your official personnel folder (eOPF) to verify all military service credit, temporary civilian service, and deposit/redeposit pay records.
Complete Military Service Deposit (if applicable)
Pay military deposit interest-free window or settle outstanding balances before retirement to add military years toward FERS/CSRS annuity calculation.
Audit FEGLI Option B Premium Trajectory
Compare escalating Option B rates starting at age 50/55 against private individual term or permanent life insurance options.
Phase 2: 1 Year Out
Annuity Estimates, TSP Rollover Planning & Social Security
Request Official OPM Certified Annuity Estimate
Contact your agency HR/benefits counselor for an official estimate of your FERS/CSRS basic annuity, high-3 average salary, and survivor benefit reductions.
Model Social Security & FERS Annuity Supplement Timing
Calculate your FERS Supplement if retiring under age 62 with 30 years service or MRA+30, and plan Social Security strategy for age 62 vs 67/70.
Evaluate TSP Safe Income Rollover Strategy
Determine how much TSP capital should be protected in guaranteed fixed indexed annuities to cover essential retirement expenses without market risk.
Phase 3: 6 Months Out
Paperwork Assembly (SF 3107 / SF 2801) & Leave Calculations
Obtain Application Package (SF 3107 for FERS / SF 2801 for CSRS)
Download and begin completing the official OPM retirement application package, including survivor annuity elections.
Review Annual Leave Balance & Terminal Pay
Calculate lump-sum payout for accrued annual leave hours to maximize tax efficiency in your final working year.
Consolidate Personal Financial & Tax Records
Organize bank direct deposit details (SF 1199A), tax withholding preferences (W-4P), and beneficiary designations (SF 3102, SF 2823, TSP-3).
Phase 4: Final 60 Days
HR Submission, Bridge Liquidity & Advisor Verification
Submit Completed Application to Agency HR Benefits Specialist
Submit signed SF 3107 / SF 2801 and supporting documents to HR. Obtain confirmation receipt and tracking number.
Establish 3–6 Month Liquidity Cushion
Ensure liquid emergency funds are ready to bridge the 60–90 day OPM interim annuity processing period.
Schedule 1-on-1 Pre-Retirement Advisory Session
Meet with Jennifer Adams to review final pension paperwork, FEHB carryover, and TSP withdrawal timing.
Need Expert Review on Your Checklist?
Don't navigate OPM administrative requirements alone. Book a 1-on-1 session with Jennifer Adams to review your certified service summary and annuity calculations.