Federal Retirement Refund Forms Get OMB Once-Over
Published Date: 4/3/2025
Notice
Summary
If you’re a current or former federal employee under FERS, this update is for you! The Office of Personnel Management is reviewing and improving the forms you use to get a refund of your retirement deductions and to notify your current or former spouse. They want your feedback by June 2, 2025, to make sure the process is clear and easy, potentially speeding up refunds and saving you time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
You can apply for a FERS refund
If you are a former Federal employee covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), you may use Standard Form (SF) 3106 to apply for a refund of retirement deductions withheld during Federal employment, plus any interest provided by law. OPM estimates 8,000 respondents for SF 3106 with an average time of 30 minutes per response.
Spouse notification is required by law
If you apply for a refund using SF 3106, you must notify your current or former spouse(s) using Standard Form 3106A; the notification requirement is required by law. OPM estimates 6,400 respondents for SF 3106A with an average time of 5 minutes per response.
OPM seeks public comments and to reduce burden
The Office of Personnel Management is soliciting public comments on the revised information collection request for SF 3106 and SF 3106A, with comments accepted through June 2, 2025. OPM specifically asks for input on necessity, burden estimates, clarity, and ways to minimize respondent burden (including permitting electronic submissions).
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