Federal retirement refund forms return for another paperwork review
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Notice
Summary
If you’re a federal employee or a former spouse, you might want to know about the return of forms SF 3106 and SF 3106A, which help you apply for a refund of retirement deductions under FERS. The Office of Personnel Management is asking for your feedback on these forms before December 29, 2026. This update keeps the refund process smooth and clear, with no immediate cost changes but a chance to improve how you apply.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
SF 3106 reinstated — Apply for FERS refund
The Office of Personnel Management is reinstating Standard Form 3106 so former Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employees can apply for a refund of retirement deductions withheld during Federal employment, plus any interest allowed by law. OPM is seeking public comment on this collection through December 29, 2026 (OMB No. 3206-0170).
Spouse notification required via SF 3106A
Standard Form 3106A must be used by refund applicants to notify current or former spouse(s) that they are applying for a refund of FERS retirement deductions, and this notification is required by law. The document estimates 6,400 respondents will complete SF 3106A, taking about 5 minutes each.
Estimated time burden to complete forms
OPM estimates 8,000 people will complete SF 3106 at about 30 minutes each and 6,400 people will complete SF 3106A at about 5 minutes each, for a total estimated burden of 4,533 hours. These are OPM's paperwork-burden estimates under OMB No. 3206-0170.
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Key Dates
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