OPM Struggles with High Volume of Year-End Retirement Applications
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is facing significant challenges as it processes a surge in year-end retirement applications. As 2025 draws to a close, a large number of federal employees are transitioning into retirement but have not yet commenced receiving their full benefits.
Surge in Retirement Applications
Between October and November 2025, OPM received an astonishing 43,737 retirement applications through various channels, including mail and electronic submissions. This marks a considerable increase compared to the same period in 2024, where only 13,680 applications were submitted.
- October-November 2025: 43,737 applications received
- October-November 2024: 13,680 applications received
Pending Applications at OPM
By the end of November 2025, the backlog of pending retirement applications reached 48,396, a sharp rise from 13,844 applications at the same time in 2024. This backlog includes both digital and paper submissions, creating a significant bottleneck for the agency.
Transition to Electronic Submissions
In an effort to streamline operations, OPM announced a transition to fully electronic submissions for retirement applications. According to a memo dated May 7, 2025, from Acting Director Charles Ezell, all retirement applications initiated after June 2, 2025, were required to be submitted electronically.
Despite this directive, the agency still received a substantial number of paper applications. In November 2025, OPM recorded 7,833 digital applications using their Online Retirement Application (ORA) system, alongside 15,560 paper applications. The total applications received that month amounted to 23,393.
Key Dates for OPM Changes
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2025 | Announcement to shift retirement applications online |
| June 2, 2025 | All new retirement applications must be electronic |
| July 15, 2025 | Only online submissions accepted |
Conclusion
The timing of this surge in retirement applications, coupled with the transition to electronic submissions, has left OPM grappling with an overwhelming paperwork backlog. Many retirees are anxiously awaiting their full benefits as the holiday season approaches, creating a challenging situation for both applicants and the agency.
