OPM Cuts Retirement Backlog 62% to 24,784 as Processing Times Stay Near 109 Days
Updated
Updated · www.myfederalretirement.com · Aug 14
OPM Cuts Retirement Backlog 62% to 24,784 as Processing Times Stay Near 109 Days
1 articles · Updated · www.myfederalretirement.com · Aug 14
Summary
24,784 pending claims remained at end-July, down from 65,237 in February, after OPM processed 17,841 cases in July while receiving 10,538 new applications.
109 days was the average July processing time, barely changed from 108 in June and far above 60 in March, showing the shrinking backlog has not yet produced faster retirements.
156 days was the average for paper claims versus 98 days for digital filings in July, though OPM said more than 95% of new retirement applications now move electronically.
35% of OPM's overall workforce and 16% of Retirement Services staff were cut over the period GAO reviewed, while 57% of departing employees had at least 11 years of federal service.
GAO said that loss of experience could weaken OPM's ability to handle complex claims, and said limited cooperation from the agency left it unable to fully assess the impact of the cuts.