The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has officially ended paper-based processing of retirement applications, closing a chapter that spanned more than six decades. This historic shift – dubbed the “Last Day of Paper” – moves nearly all federal retirement submissions into a fully digital environment through OPM’s Online Retirement Application (ORA).
For federal employees and retirees, this transition promises faster processing, fewer errors, and a more transparent retirement experience.
A Major Modernization Milestone
For years, federal retirement processing relied on physical forms, manual data entry, and paper files stored and handled at OPM’s underground facility in Boyers, PA. This legacy system contributed to delays, backlogs, and inconsistent processing times.
With ORA now handling over 95% of retirement applications, OPM has reached the point where paper is no longer required in the vast majority of cases. More than 155,000 applications were processed digitally in the past year, demonstrating the system’s reliability and scalability.
Faster, More Accurate Processing
The shift to digital processing directly benefits federal employees:
- Digital applications average 66 days from submission to final adjudication.
- Paper applications averaged 105 days, often slowed by missing forms, manual corrections, and physical transport.
- A single electronic record now follows each retiree from agency HR to payroll provider to OPM, reducing errors and eliminating lost documents.
- ORA improves verification of service history, FEHB eligibility, military deposits, and other critical retirement factors.
This modernization aligns with broader federal efforts to streamline benefits delivery and improve customer service.
What Employees Should Do Now
Federal employees planning to retire should:
- Use the Online Retirement Application (ORA) for submitting their retirement package.
- Coordinate early with their HR office to ensure service history and benefit elections are accurate.
- Review their eOPF and SF-50s for completeness.
- Confirm payroll provider readiness – most major providers are fully integrated with ORA.
Agencies should continue preparing employees for digital-only submissions and update internal guidance to reflect the end of paper processing.
The End of an Era, the Start of a Better One
OPM’s “Last Day of Paper” is more than symbolic – it represents a fundamental shift in how federal retirement is managed. By eliminating paper, OPM is delivering a faster, more predictable, and more modern retirement experience for millions of federal workers.
When I retired, the paper application process was tedious to say the least. My application took months to prepare, collect all the information I needed, and research the many options available when you retire.
Once you submit your application, you can’t make changes in most cases. That’s why I launched my retirement planning website and, more recently, a YouTube Channel; both platforms walk you through your benefit options and help you make the right decision for you and your family.
For employees nearing retirement, this change means fewer delays, clearer communication, and a smoother transition into the next chapter of their lives.
