The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is leading a big change in how federal employees apply for retirement: they are making the process completely electronic. This change will make it easier and faster for federal employees to apply for retirement, but could also have downsides. What should you know?
Why change the retirement process?
The OPM wants to get rid of paper applications and switch to digital ones. By June 2, 2025, everyone will need to use electronic applications. Switching to electronic applications has the potential to offer several benefits:
- Faster processing: Digital applications may lead to faster processing by eliminating the need to handle paper. This means retirees will not have to wait as long.
- Fewer mistakes: Electronic forms can reduce errors that happen with paper applications. Automated systems can catch mistakes or missing information.
- Easier access: With online forms, federal employees can fill out retirement applications anytime, anywhere. This is helpful for those who cannot easily get to a physical office.
- Better for the environment: Using less paper helps the environment by reducing waste.
Are there any downsides?
Even though there are many benefits, people have raised concerns about electronic applications. One significant question that remains unanswered is whether the potential benefits will actually improve accuracy or processing time.
Learning this new technology could also be challenging for employees. Those who are not used to digital forms may also need additional assistance to complete these documents.
Staying informed
The OPM’s switch to electronic retirement applications is a big change for federal employees, including those filing for OPM disability retirement. As the deadline approaches, workers should take steps to understand the changes coming to the federal retirement system and to understand how these changes could impact them.