Expert's View

A lot of retirement-eligible employees have their tongues hanging out hoping that their agencies will agree to let them retire and return to work under the phased retirement authority. So far, agencies have told these employees to be patient while they mull over the option. And they are mulling it over, with what seems to be limited enthusiasm—I haven’t seen evidence of a single employee being offered this benefit, which formally kicked off a month ago now. Nevertheless, OPM already developed the standard forms and instruction pamphlets for those employees who are eligible to apply, once they get the chance. And here they are: SF 2825 Information and Instructions for Completing an Application for Phased Retirement under CSRS SF 2826 Information and Instructions for Completing an Application for Full Retirement Status (from Phased Retirement) under CSRS SF 3116 Phased Employment/Phased Retirement Status Election SF 3117 Information and Instructions for Completing an Application for Phased Retirement under FERS SF 3118 Information and Instructions for Completing an Application for Full Retirement Status (from Phased Retirement) under FERS If you are (or will be) eligible to apply for phased retirement, you can get a head start by downloading the application form (SF 3116) and its associated pamphlets. All of them are available for download at www.opm.gov/retirement-services/phased-retirement/#url=Forms. Then when your agency publishes its internal procedures, you can be ready to apply.