When you retire, your paycheck stops right away, but your full pension can take months to arrive. In the meantime, OPM pays you a partial amount called interim pay.
Here’s how long OPM is actually taking right now, how big the gap can be, and how to plan so you don’t go broke waiting.
How long OPM is taking right now
| September 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Average processing time | 66 days |
| Applications in the backlog | 8,814 |
| Online applications | 56 days |
| Paper applications | 149 days |
That’s the average. This year, OPM’s monthly averages have ranged from 60 to 109 days, and the slowest stretch is usually right after the year-end retirement rush. If you’re retiring December 31, you’re retiring into OPM’s busiest season.
Interim pay: what you’ll get while you wait
Until OPM finalizes your annuity, you’ll receive interim pay. It’s usually 60% to 80% of your estimated net annuity, with tax withholding still coming out. And OPM doesn’t pay interest on delayed payments.
Here’s what that can look like (an illustration, not a real case):
| Monthly | |
|---|---|
| Estimated net pension | $4,000 |
| Interim pay (60%–80%) | $2,400–$3,200 |
| Gap you need to cover | $800–$1,600 |
Once your annuity is finalized, OPM pays you back the difference, but that can be months away.
How to stay out of the slow lane
- Apply online. OPM’s Online Retirement Application averaged 56 days in September, compared to 149 days on paper.
- Clean up your records first. Check your SF-50s, service dates, and any military deposit or civilian redeposit before you submit. Missing or incorrect records can slow things down.
- File early. Don’t wait until December to start your paperwork.
How to bridge the gap
- Your annual leave payout. Your unused annual leave is paid out as a lump sum after you retire, which can cover the first stretch.
- Your TSP. Your TSP is separate from OPM. You can set up withdrawals without waiting for your annuity to be finalized.
- Cash savings. Aim to have 3 to 6 months of expenses set aside before your last day.
What Congress is considering
A bill in Congress, H.R. 6929, would let new retirees take up to $100,000 from their TSP while they wait for OPM, without the 10% early withdrawal penalty, as long as they repay it within 3 years.
It’s only a proposal. It has not become law, so don’t plan around it yet.
Your timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Now | Get an annuity estimate from HR |
| 60–90 days before you retire | Apply online |
| Your last day | Interim pay usually starts within weeks |
| Months later | Final annuity, plus back pay for the difference |
There’s no guaranteed processing time, so plan the gap before you pick your retirement date.
The bottom line
OPM is averaging about two months right now, but it can take much longer around year-end. Apply online, clean up your records, and have a plan to cover the gap between interim pay and your full pension before your last day.
Are you a federal employee within 12 months of retirement, or already retired, with $1 million+ invested? Book a free 15-minute Fit Call. You can also download our free Federal Retirement Roadmap.
Educational only, not tax, investment, or legal advice. Please consult your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice. Haws Federal Advisors | HawsFederalAdvisors.com