Forms & service credit
Am I doing the paperwork right?
Small paperwork errors are one of the most common reasons federal retirements are delayed or paid wrong. Here's what to check before you file.
What you need to know
The short answer
Your SF-50 is the source of truth
Check your service computation date, retirement plan and any gaps in service. Errors are much easier to fix before you retire.
Sick leave adds to your pension
Unused sick leave counts toward the length of service used to calculate your pension. It doesn't count toward eligibility to retire.
Military time needs a deposit
To count most post-1956 military service under FERS, you pay a deposit of 3% of your military basic pay, and it must be paid before you separate.
Beneficiary forms matter
Your designations for the pension, FEGLI, the TSP and unpaid compensation are separate forms, and they override your will.
Avoid these
Mistakes we see most
Filing too late
Submit your retirement application well before your date. OPM processing can take months.
Missing the military deposit deadline
Under FERS, once you retire it's too late to pay it.
Not checking service history
Missing periods of service, or old refunds, can lower your pension.
Leaving beneficiaries blank or outdated
It can delay payments to your family.
Go deeper
Most-read guides on this topic
Plain-English articles from our Learning Center.
See all guides on this topicEvery federal career is different
A free Gap Report shows exactly what you'll receive, built from your own records, and where the gaps are. Ready 24–48 hours after a short call with Joe.
Educational information only, based on rules in effect as of October 2026. Benefit rules change. Confirm details with OPM, your agency or the TSP before making decisions.