The Federal Forms That Could Make or Break Your Retirement—And the Deadlines You Can’t Miss

Key Takeaways

• Missing even one federal retirement form or deadline can delay or reduce your retirement benefits permanently.

• Some forms must be submitted months in advance of your planned retirement date, and others have strict eligibility windows tied to life events or Medicare timelines.

Why Paperwork Still Matters in 2025

You may think your agency’s HR system or online retirement tools will handle everything automatically. But as of 2025, your retirement is still driven by a surprisingly manual process that hinges on correctly filled and timely submitted forms. If you’re nearing the end of your public service career, understanding which federal forms control your retirement — and when to submit them — could mean the difference between a smooth transition and a frustrating delay.

Your Retirement Application Is Not One Form

To begin your federal retirement, you must complete multiple forms, not just one. The core document is: SF 3107 (Application for Immediate Retirement under fers).

This form activates your retirement request. However, it doesn’t stand alone. Depending on your circumstances, several attachments and additional documents are required.

Include These with Your SF 3107:

• Certified Summary of Federal Service (SF 3107-1) — Your agency must complete this form. It validates your creditable service.

• Documentation of Military Service — If applicable, DD-214 forms or proof of military buyback.

• Spouse’s Consent (if waiving survivor benefits) — Notarized consent is required to waive the full survivor annuity.

• Proof of FEHB enrollment — Typically 5 years of continuous coverage are required before retirement.

Deadlines You Cannot Afford to Miss

Missing or misunderstanding these federal deadlines can postpone your benefits or disqualify you from key programs:

1. Retirement Application Submission

You should submit your SF 3107 and required documents at least 2 to 3 months before your planned retirement date. OPM continues to experience processing backlogs, and early submission helps ensure a smoother start to your annuity.

2. Military Service Buyback

If you served in the military and want that time credited toward your federal retirement, your deposit must be made before separation from federal service. If you wait until after retirement, you lose this opportunity permanently.

3. Survivor Benefit Election Changes

To elect or change a survivor benefit, your final choice must be reflected in the SF 3107 submission. After retirement, changes are limited and usually require a qualifying life event. You cannot add a survivor annuity for a spouse you married after retirement unless you elect it within 2 years of the marriage.

4. FEHB Eligibility

To carry your health benefits into retirement, you must be enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program for the 5 years immediately before retirement, or since your first opportunity. If you are unsure whether you meet this rule, resolve it with your HR office well before retirement.

5. Medicare Part B Enrollment for PSHB (Postal Workers Only)

If you’re a USPS employee or annuitant, the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program requires Medicare Part B enrollment at age 65 unless you meet specific exemption criteria. For 2025, retirees who turned 65 in prior years but weren’t enrolled had a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) in 2024. This window is now closed. If you delayed enrollment and don’t qualify for an exception, you may face late penalties.

6. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Withdrawals

Once you separate from service, there’s no required timeline for withdrawing TSP funds. However, you must begin required minimum distributions (RMDs) by April 1 following the year you turn 73. If you delay, you face steep IRS penalties.

Optional But Critical Forms

Some forms aren’t strictly required to retire — but skipping them could cost you:

Designation of Beneficiary Forms

• TSP-3 for Thrift Savings Plan

• SF 2823 for Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)

• SF 1152 for unpaid compensation

If these forms aren’t current or properly filed, your funds may not go to the person you intend. The government will follow the order of precedence, which may not reflect your wishes.

Spousal Consent Forms

If you’re married and want to:

• Waive full survivor benefits,

• Elect a partial annuity, or

• Choose no survivor benefit at all,

you’ll need a notarized spousal consent included with your retirement paperwork. Missing this step will result in OPM assigning the full annuity option by default.

RI 92-19 (Changing Direct Deposit)

Even though you may have direct deposit set up during active service, retirement uses a different payment system. This form lets OPM know where to send your monthly annuity. Mistakes here can delay your first payments.

FEGLI and Post-Retirement Options

If you’re covered under the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program, you must choose your level of post-retirement coverage on your retirement application. You’ll have the option to:

• Maintain full coverage (at a higher cost),

• Elect reduced coverage over time, or

• Drop coverage entirely.

These choices are irrevocable after retirement in most cases. Failing to complete the relevant sections in SF 3107 accurately may default you into reduced or no coverage.

TSP Withdrawal Elections

Once you retire, you can:

• Leave your money in the TSP,

• Take partial or full withdrawals,

• Set up monthly payments,

• Transfer to an IRA or other eligible account.

To make these elections, use:

• TSP-99 (Withdrawal Request)

• TSP-75 (Partial Withdrawal After Separation)

Your TSP withdrawal strategy affects your taxes, income timeline, and long-term security. Consider coordinating with your other benefits before submitting these forms.

What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?

Mistakes with forms or deadlines can result in:

• Delayed annuity payments

• Missed Medicare enrollment windows with penalties

• Inability to carry FEHB or FEGLI into retirement

• Irrevocable survivor benefit elections

• Incorrect TSP beneficiary designations

In some cases, errors can be corrected, but this often requires appeals, waiting periods, or showing proof of administrative error.

How Long Does It Take to Process?

Even if everything is submitted correctly, the retirement process takes time:

• OPM average processing time: 60 to 90 days (or longer during high-volume months)

• Interim payments: While waiting, you may receive partial payments equal to roughly 80% of your estimated annuity

• Final adjudication: Once OPM completes your case, they issue your full annuity and any back pay

Because of these delays, it’s best to build in at least 3 months of financial cushion before your first full annuity payment arrives.

Pre-Retirement Checklist to Stay on Track

Use this checklist starting 12 months before your planned retirement:

12 months prior:

• Request a retirement estimate from your HR office

• Confirm FEHB and FEGLI eligibility

• Review military buyback status

6 months prior:

• Request your Certified Summary of Service (SF 3107-1)

• Begin filling out SF 3107

• Review TSP strategy and beneficiaries

3 months prior:

• Submit SF 3107 to your agency

• Attach spousal consent if needed

• Double-check all designations of beneficiary

1 month prior:

• Confirm submission status with your HR office

• Request a copy of your application packet for your records

• Begin TSP withdrawal process if desired

When You Should Talk to a Professional

You don’t need to hire a financial planner to retire — but federal retirement has many one-time choices with lifelong consequences. If you’re confused about:

• How much your annuity will be,

• When to claim Social Security,

• What to do with your TSP,

• How survivor benefits work,

• Or how to coordinate Medicare with FEHB,

…it’s worth speaking with a licensed professional listed on this website. They can help you interpret the rules, clarify your options, and avoid mistakes you can’t undo.

Retirement Success Depends on the Right Forms, at the Right Time

You’ve spent decades building your career. Don’t let paperwork sabotage your retirement. Knowing what forms to complete, when to submit them, and how to avoid costly missteps is critical. If you’re unsure about your choices, get help. A licensed professional listed on this website can guide you through the deadlines, elections, and forms that matter most.