What Is Form 855r: A Guide To Federal Retirement Application

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As a federal employee, planning for retirement is an essential part of your career. One crucial step in this process is filling out Form 855R, also known as the "Federal Retirement Application." In this article, we will guide you through the ins and outs of Form 855R, including its purpose, eligibility requirements, and a step-by-step guide on how to fill it out.

What is Form 855R?

Form 855R is a federal form used by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to process retirement applications for federal employees. The form is designed to collect information about your employment history, retirement plan, and personal details to determine your eligibility for federal retirement benefits.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to fill out Form 855R, you must meet certain requirements:

• You must be a federal employee covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
• You must have reached the minimum retirement age, which varies depending on your birth year.
• You must have completed the required years of service, which typically ranges from 10 to 30 years.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form 855R

Filling out Form 855R can be a complex process, but breaking it down into smaller steps can make it more manageable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Gather Required Documents

Before filling out Form 855R, make sure you have the following documents:

• Your Social Security number
• Your federal employee ID number
• Your birth certificate or passport
• Your marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Your divorce or annulment documents (if applicable)
• Your spouse's or dependent's information (if applicable)

2. Section 1: Employee Information

This section requires you to provide your personal and employment information, including:

• Your name and Social Security number
• Your federal employee ID number
• Your birth date and age
• Your employment dates and job titles

3. Section 2: Retirement Plan Information

In this section, you'll need to provide information about your retirement plan, including:

• Your retirement plan type (FERS or CSRS)
• Your retirement plan coverage dates
• Your retirement plan contributions

4. Section 3: Beneficiary Information

If you have a spouse or dependents, you'll need to provide their information in this section, including:

• Their name and Social Security number
• Their birth date and age
• Their relationship to you

5. Section 4: Survivor Benefits

In this section, you'll need to elect your survivor benefits, including:

• Your spouse's or dependent's survivor benefit amount
• Your election to provide survivor benefits

6. Section 5: Certification and Signature

This section requires you to certify that the information you provided is accurate and true. You'll also need to sign and date the form.

Tips and Reminders

• Make sure to fill out Form 855R carefully and accurately, as errors can delay your retirement application.
• Use black ink and print clearly.
• Keep a copy of your completed form for your records.
• Submit your form to your agency's HR department or the OPM, depending on your agency's procedures.

Gallery of Printable Form 855R Templates

FAQs

In conclusion, Form 855R is a critical document for federal employees applying for retirement. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your form is complete and accurate, and you can avoid any delays in your retirement application. Remember to keep a copy of your completed form for your records and to submit it to your agency's HR department or the OPM, depending on your agency's procedures.