01
OPM interim pay delay
Plan for the gap before your finalized pension check arrives.
Federal & Postal Employee Retirement Services
Retire from federal service with confidence.
For over a decade, we have helped hundreds of U.S. federal and postal employees achieve a smooth retirement through workshops and personalized guidance.
Advisory services offered through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC (HTK), Member FINRA/SIPC.
01 · The outcome
Your retirement application prepared, for you, correctly.
Federal and USPS retirement applications prepared for OPM’s Online Retirement Application, or ORA. We help organize your benefit elections, required information, and supporting documents for a complete and accurate digital submission.
We explain complex federal retirement options in clear, simple steps. This helps you review your choices, complete the ORA process, and move forward with greater confidence.
02 · Services
Federal benefits, translated into clear steps.
Feeling overwhelmed by federal benefits and the retirement process? Our advisors specialize in helping federal and postal employees navigate their unique retirement options.
- Review your FERS and benefit options in plain language.
- Turn complicated choices into clear, actionable steps.
- Help prepare and organize your retirement paperwork.
03 · Decision guides
Federal retirement decisions worth reviewing early.
Short guides for the moments where one timing detail can change the plan.
02
FEHB & PSHB retirement rules
Review the health coverage details before you leave service.
03
VERA or VSIP decision
Weigh the early-out deadline against income, benefits, and timing.
04 · Common questions
Federal retirement questions, answered plainly.
How long does it take to start receiving my retirement check, and what happens during the OPM delay?
Many retirees do not receive their full finalized pension check right away. OPM often starts retirees on interim pay while it finishes processing the retirement file.
That means you may receive a temporary amount before your full benefit is finalized. The timeline can vary, which is why it helps to plan ahead and know what income to expect during the gap. We can help you prepare for that transition.
How does the TSP work?
The Thrift Savings Plan is a defined-contribution retirement account, similar to a 401(k), available to federal and postal employees. FERS employees receive automatic and matching agency contributions on top of their own contributions, up to certain limits set annually by the IRS. TSP offers a small set of low-cost index funds (G, F, C, S, I) plus lifecycle funds.
This is educational information, not personal advice. Contribution limits change each year — check TSP.gov for current figures. Your contribution strategy should reflect your own timeline and risk tolerance.
Can I keep my FEHB or PSHB health insurance in retirement?
In many cases, yes. Federal and postal employees can often keep their coverage in retirement if they meet the eligibility rules before they leave service. The details can depend on things like how long you were enrolled and when you retire.
This is one of those areas where a small detail can change the answer. If you want to know where you stand, we can walk through the rules with you.
Read the FEHB and PSHB retirement guide.
This is educational information, not personal advice. Confirm your coverage with OPM before making retirement decisions.
Can I retire early as a federal employee?
FERS offers several early retirement paths, including MRA+10 (minimum retirement age with at least 10 years of service, with a reduced annuity) and, in some cases, VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) during agency reorganizations. Retiring before your minimum retirement age or with fewer years of service typically means a reduced pension and gaps in health and life insurance continuation rules. There are real trade-offs between retiring early and maximizing your annuity.
Read the VERA and VSIP decision guide.
This is educational information, not personal advice. Review your options with OPM and a qualified advisor before deciding.
05 · Your retirement application
Need help preparing your retirement application?
Don't worry, we've got you. We help you organize, complete, and file the documents your retirement requires. Contact us today to get started.
Schedule online