Federal Employee Exodus: OPM Retirement Backlog Soars 21% in a Month
The OPM retirement backlog has grown nearly 90% in FY 2026 after another surge in February.
Backlog
Stay updated on the size and status of the OPM retirement backlog, including monthly processing statistics, trends in new retirement claims, and the impact delays can have on recently retired federal employees. Explore analysis of OPM reports, seasonal surges, digital application processing, and policy changes that influence how quickly retirement claims are completed. Find clear explanations and timely updates to help federal retirees understand what the backlog means for interim payments, final annuity calculations, and overall retirement planning.
Retirement Surge Pushes OPM Retirement Backlog Over 54k in January
The OPM retirement backlog topped 54,000 in January, but digital processing is improving efficiency.
OPM Retirement Backlog Surpasses 50,000 in December as Federal Workforce Shrinks
The OPM retirement backlog grew again in December, but the data show that the new digital system is improving processing times.
OPM Retirement Backlog Jumps 40% in November with Digital Processing on the Rise
The OPM retirement backlog has surged to levels not seen in over a decade. Digital retirement claims are quickly becoming part of the process.
October 2025 Retirement Claims Spike Drives OPM Retirement Backlog to Highest Level Since 2022
October 2025 saw a record surge in OPM retirement claims, driving the backlog to the highest level since 2022 amid ongoing modernization efforts.
Retirement Claims Drop Sharply in September, Easing OPM Retirement Backlog
A summer retirement surge has strained OPM, but the pace slowed in September. Another wave appears to be coming soon though.
Retirement Wave Hits OPM: Inside August’s Record-Breaking Month
New retirement claims spiked in August, but the OPM retirement backlog is not what you would expect.
What’s Driving the Summer Surge in the OPM Retirement Backlog?
The OPM retirement backlog decreased somewhat in July but remains at uncharacteristically high levels from an unusual summer surge.
OPM Retirement Backlog Grows 22% in June Amid Claims Surge
Federal retirement claims surged in May and June 2025, driving the highest mid-year spike in the OPM retirement backlog in six years.
OPM Retirement Backlog Sees Unusual Spike in May, Grows 33%
An unusual spring surge in retirement applications caused the OPM retirement backlog to grow in May, but a new digital system may revolutionize the process.
