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Request Your 2025 Retirement Benefits Booklet from OPM

Posted By Dennis Damp On In ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY,BENEFITS / INSURANCE,ESTATE PLANNING,FINANCE / TIP,RETIREMENT CONCERNS,SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE,SURVIVOR INFORMATION | No Comments
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If you haven’t already, it’s time to order this year’s annuity booklet at OPM Services Online [2]. The 2025 booklets are available for download, and a copy will also be sent via regular mail if requested. I order a new copy each year; it is 28 pages long and outlines all of your benefits, annuity information, and survivor’s benefits, including your survivor’s annuity.

BLUE Book (Benefits Summary Booklet)

Request an updated retirement benefits booklet [3] through OPM’s Online Services. All retirees receive a comprehensive multi-page pamphlet titled “Your Federal Retirement Benefits” from OPM when they retire. My booklet is 28 pages long. Request your updated copy by selecting the Document Section, the last item listed on the Dashboard’s main menu, and clicking on “Request Booklet.”

Many annuitants order a copy each year with their updated benefits information and place the booklet in their retirement or estate planning file. You can also request a copy of the original booklet you received when you first retired, if you lost your copy, and compare it to the most current version.

If you haven’t signed up for OPM’s Online Services, follow the sign-on guidance in my article titled “OPM Services Online Access Changes.” [4]

Your Federal Retirement Benefits
Old Hard Copy Version (Blue Book)

This booklet is a wealth of information and includes all your personal retirement information, such as your CSA number, annuity breakdown, survivor elections, and benefit elections. This website’s document section also provides quick access to your 1099-R forms for the past five years, as well as downloadable annual and monthly annuity statements.

This year, you can request a downloadable PDF version for easy access. You can request a hard copy paper version from OPM by calling 1-888-767-6738. Those calling OPM are still placed on hold for extended periods during peak times during the week.

What’s New in the Download Version

This 18-page PDF version is formatted for a standard 8.5” x 11” page, allowing it to be easily added to a retirement planning binder with three-hole punching. There are several helpful features that the printed booklet doesn’t have. For example, it includes active hyperlinks to referenced websites and PDF reports. Click on the PDF download version link, and you will be directed to the relevant service, such as the link to OPM’s Retirement Services Support Center.

There is a comprehensive section on how to contact OPM and other helpful organizations. This section links you to multiple areas of interest for retirees. It includes phone numbers and hyperlinks where appropriate for Social Security [5], Medicare [6], the IRS, the Federal Long Term Care Program (FLTCIP [7]), and the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI [7]) program.

OPM's "Your Federal Retirement Benefits" Downloaded Version

New Downloaded Retirement Benefits Pamphlet

One of the sections lists your benefit summary and everything that is deducted from your monthly payment:

Less/Plus

Overall, I like the downloaded version and the direct link to the relevant referenced websites. The old blue book version is no longer available. If you request a copy by mail, they send a printed copy of the download version.

Other Request Options

You can also email OPM if you aren’t signed up for their online services at retire@opm.gov or send a written request to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-1000. OPM advises, “The internet is not a secure environment for transmitting personal information via email.”

End Notes

This pamphlet is an essential document for your heirs when that time comes. You’ll find detailed survivor information, your spouse’s monthly annuity amount that he/she can expect, your insurance elections, and so much more. It goes on to describe how to contact OPM when the annuitant dies, all in one convenient package.

Keeping this pamphlet with your retirement papers or estate plan is a no-brainer and a must, so your heirs won’t be left in the dark and unsure of what to do or who to contact. Additionally, download our fill-in PDF Master Retiree Contact List [8], which includes other services and contact numbers you may need.

I typically order or download a new Blue Book as early as February each year for my records. Now, download a copy, print it out, and file it where it can be easily accessed whenever needed.

Helpful Retirement Planning Tools

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not cover all aspect 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. The information contained herein should not be considered investment advice and may not be suitable for your situation. This service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

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