OPM Dusts Off Its Claims Filing Cabinet Again
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Rule
Summary
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing this direct final rule to update the provisions concerning administrative claims submissions to OPM.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Mandatory OPM eFiling for Claims
If you are filing an administrative claim with OPM (for compensation, leave, deceased-employee pay, or certain veterans' benefits), you must use OPM's electronic filing system at https://opmefile.opm.gov/hc/en-us for any submission on or after September 29, 2026. Absent a granted exemption, OPM will not accept claims, evidence, or supporting documents sent by postal mail or ordinary email after that date; claims filed before September 29, 2026 will be processed under the rules in effect when submitted.
New Required Claim Information
When you submit a claim under 5 CFR part 178, the claim must be signed (wet or digital), describe the basis and amount sought, and include the claimant's name, address, telephone number, and email; the agency employee's name, address, telephone number, and email who denied the claim; and a copy of the denial. You should also include any other information you want OPM to consider.
eFiler Registration, Service, and Exemption Rules
To file in OPM's eFile system you and your representative must register using a unique email, which constitutes consent to electronic service; documents filed electronically are deemed received on the submission date and you will get an acknowledgement. OPM may exempt a party who cannot reasonably file electronically, but the party must request an exemption promptly per instructions on OPM's website and OPM will not find good cause for missed deadlines if an exemption was not requested before a deadline.
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