The OPM's retirement application processing time has seen a significant jump, rising to 96 days in June, despite the shift to online applications. This marks a 34% increase from May, where digital applications were processed in 66 days, and a 48% increase from the average of 105 days for paper applications in the same month. The online portal, launched last spring, has seen a steady increase in usage, with 70% of applications filed online in June, compared to 70% on paper in October. However, the processing time at OPM does not include the time taken by agency personnel and payroll offices before applications are forwarded, which can add weeks or months to the overall process. The OPM's figures are averages and do not reflect the varying processing times in some cases. The pending inventory of applications at OPM has also decreased, dropping from a peak of 65,000 in February to 34,000 in June, following a surge of retirements late last year. This data report comes on the heels of OPM's announcement that July 1st marks the 'last day of paper', with all but a small percentage of applications to be filed online. The OPM has not responded to requests for an explanation of the increases in processing times. This raises a deeper question about the effectiveness of the online portal in reducing processing times and the potential impact on retirees and those approaching retirement. In my opinion, the OPM's figures highlight the need for further improvements in the online application process to ensure timely processing and reduce the financial hardship faced by retirees and those on the verge of retirement. The OPM's continued efforts to streamline the process and reduce processing times are crucial in ensuring a smooth transition for federal employees into retirement.
