Categories: Expert's View

Using OPM’s Services Online

For years retirees and survivors have been advised to call OPM if they have a question or a problem. While you can still call OPM at 1-888-767-6738 or 1-724-794-2005, they have developed an online system that can handle many of your requests on demand, 24-hours a day. For example, you can now do the following:

◦ Change your federal and state income tax withholding
◦ Change your mailing address
◦ Change your password
◦ Establish an allotment to an organization
◦ Request a duplicate annuity booklet
◦ Set up a checking or savings allotment
◦ Sign up for direct deposit of your annuity payment
◦ Update your email address
◦ Opt-in to receive information electronically
◦ View/print your annuity statement
◦ View/print your 1099-R tax forms
◦ View/print your retirement services reference card (ID card)
◦ View/print your verification of your life insurance (FEGLI) coverage
◦ View the status of your case while you are in interim pay

To access Services Online, go to https://www.servicesonline.opm.gov. When logging in, you’ll have to enter nine characters for your claim number, with both a prefix and a suffix.

Retiree claim numbers begin with an A and end with a 0. In other words, type in A, then seven numbers, and end with 0. If you have any trouble logging in, you can click on the Contact Us icon and get help.

Surviving spouse claim numbers begin with a F and end with a W

Widower claim numbers begin with an F and end with a X.

Insurable interest claim numbers begin with an F and end with a Y

Ex-spouses of deceased employees claim numbers begin with an F and end with a Z.

If you are a representative payee, guardian or conservator (or any other third party representing an OPM annuitant), you’ll have to call one of the phone numbers mentioned in the first paragraph.

Note: Services Online can’t be used to make any changes to your federal dental or vision insurance (FEDVIP). To do that, you’ll need to go to http://BENEFEDS.com or give them a call at 1-877-888-3337.

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