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Federal Retirement Surge Creates OPM Backlog Ahead of Holidays

12/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

As 2025 ends, many federal employees are retiring, creating a backlog of retirement applications at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
In October and November 2025, OPM received 43,737 applications, up from 13,680 in the same period in 2024.
By the end of November 2025, 48,396 applications remained pending, delaying retirees' full benefits during the holiday season.
OPM mandated electronic submissions starting June 2025.

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Story summary

As 2025 ends, many federal employees are retiring, creating a backlog of retirement applications at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
In October and November 2025, OPM received 43,737 applications, up from 13,680 in the same period in 2024.
By the end of November 2025, 48,396 applications remained pending, delaying retirees' full benefits during the holiday season.
OPM mandated electronic submissions starting June 2025.