New Retirement Application Portal Launched

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) launched a new online portal for federal employees on June 3, 2025. This portal is a fully digital federal retirement system that streamlines the retirement application process for employees, HR professionals, and payroll offices.

Getting Started

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You must use Login.gov to set up a new account or to log in for existing users. If you aren’t familiar with Login.gov, review the guidance I published when they first required this extra security level for many federal websites.

OPM’s Goals

Users accessing the platform are presented with a streamlined entry point tailored to both agency partners and members of the public. This reinforces OPMʼs broader goal of transforming the retirement process into a faster, paperless, and easier-to-navigate system.

“This is what modern government should look like—responsive, efficient, and user-centered,” said Acting Director Charles Ezell. “With every update to this new portal, weʼre improving the retirement experience for millions of public servants whoʼve dedicated their careers to this country. This launch brings us closer to delivering the fully digital, 21st-century retirement system they deserve.”

End Notes

This is just one of the first steps to enhancing government automation; many more are to come. Other initiatives coincide with this effort, such as the launch of the electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) platform on June 5^th.

Automation has come a long way since I started working in government. I’ve been fascinated with computers from an early age, starting with the VIC 20 and Commodore 64 and everything thereafter. My 1982 college degree was in microcomputer technology.

Significant Changes Impacting Federal Employees

When I worked at our Sector Office in Pittsburgh, PA, in the early 1980s, I was the only one with a home computer; there were only IBM Selectric typewriters at work. I would produce staff reports on my Commodore 64 and bring them to work. Our manager occasionally sent me home to work on special computer and spreadsheet projects he submitted to the region—a sea change from today.

Many early automation efforts hit brick walls and faded into the sunset. Today, with AI and all of the computer power, everything is or will soon be automated. Our parents won’t recognize what lies ahead these next few years, and I’ll also be amazed, from robots taking care of basic tasks to self-driving cars, robo-taxis, and everything in between, with few exceptions.

Is this the new golden age, or have we gone too far and fast without evaluating the impact on the billions of people still left in the equation?

Automation has advanced so much that what was impossible just a short time ago is commonplace.

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances. Federal regulations, medical procedures, investment, and benefit information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties for assistance, including OPM’s retirement center.

Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. This service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult a financial, medical, or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any loss or other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

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Dennis Damp

Dennis V. Damp is an author, retired federal manager, business owner, career counselor and veteran. Damp is the author of 28 books, a recognized benefits expert, and a retired federal manager with 35 years’ service. Dennis has been a guest on hundreds of radio talk shows, CNN’s YOUR MONEY and the Lou Dobbs Cable TV shows, lectured at universities and colleges, produced Internet web sites and training videos, and has written hundreds of articles for national magazines and newspapers. His books have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times and U.S. News & World Report.

Dennis joined the Air Force in 1968 and spent over three years on active duty and an additional seven years with the Air National Guard. He was hired by the Department of Defense (DOD) after leaving active duty and transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1975. He spent the remainder of his career in various positions with the FAA. His last position was technical operations manager at the Pittsburgh International Airport’s air traffic control tower.