In 2024, the OPM cleared up some of its huge backlog of applications for retirement: by fall 2024, the number was about 2,000 less than the same time the year before.

Unfortunately, that backlog is about to explode again.

By the end of January, the number of retirement claims at OPM had increased by 68% since the end of December. This is a big increase, though it’s important to know that there have been bigger surges in the past.

Since the new administration took office, they’ve used a variety of incentives, orders, and memos to decrease the size of the federal workforce.

Whether it’s because of the end of telework, the return of Schedule F, the offer of Deferred Resignation, or the push for DOGE initiatives like updated tech in the office, applications are on the rise. And these changes are likely coming ahead of more layoffs, reductions in force, and VERA-like initiatives.

Accumulating applications can make life extra difficult for employees waiting on an approval; their lives are put on hold, keeping them from finding the medical care they need, prioritizing their health, and getting back to daily life with family and friends.

How does this affect me?

If you’ve been thinking about retiring, now’s the time to get started so you can avoid getting stuck behind the rapidly growing line of applications.

There are a handful of ways to pursue retirement from the federal government, depending on your situation:

1. Immediate or Phased Voluntary Retirement

Immediate retirement allows you to stop work altogether, while phased retirement allows you to work part time for a while until you retire completely.

If you meet the age and service requirements, immediate or voluntary retirement could be the best choice for you.

You can learn more about the eligibility requirements and details of these two options here.

2. Federal Disability Retirement

If you have an illness or injury that keeps you from doing at least one part of your job well, Federal Disability Retirement could be the answer for you. This benefit would:

• • Let you to continue getting a portion of your monthly salary 
  • Allow you to hang on to your health and life insurance 
  • Allow you to keep gaining years of service so you don’t lose out on increased pay later on 
  • Allow you to get a job in the private sector that would let you prioritize your health needs 

To learn more about this benefit and if it is right for you, check out our free step-by-step guide.

3. Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)

Voluntary Early Retirement allows agencies that are currently reshaping and resizing their workforce to temporarily reduce the retirement age for certain employees.

This comes with some specific rules you can read about in our full blog.

4. Special Provisions Immediate Voluntary Retirement

If you’re a special provisions employee, you can also apply for Immediate Voluntary Retirement. Because special provisions employees are at greater risk throughout their career, the age and service requirements are a little different: 50 years old with 20 years of service, or any age with 25 years of service.

You can find more details about eligibility for this option here.

Why now’s the time to act

With things changing every day in the federal workforce, protecting your financial future is extra important.

If you’re worried about what your job and the federal workforce will look like over the next year, we get it! We’ve talked to a lot of people recently who are in the same boat.

And because so many people are considering their future in the federal government, if you think an early retirement option is right for you, make sure your application isn’t on the bottom of the stack. Waiting to apply could end up delaying your relief.

If you’re not sure what to make of all these federal changes, take a look at our full guide to figure out how they might apply to you.

And if you need help deciding what your next steps will be, book a free consultation today, and we’ll help guide you to the right path for your future.