Changes

==Submission==

==Submission==

It is preferred that the form be submitted 60–90 days prior to retirement to allow sufficient processing time for an employee's agency to complete its requirements and transmit the completed form to the [[Office of Personnel Management]] (who handles the FERS retirement annuity).  However, nothing prohibits an employee from submitting the form and retiring the same day.

It is preferred that the form be submitted 60–90 days prior to retirement to allow sufficient processing time for an employee's agency to complete its requirements and transmit the completed form to the [[Office of Personnel Management]] (OPM, who handles the FERS retirement annuity).  However, nothing prohibits an employee from submitting the form and retiring the same day, though doing so will likely delay OPM from finalizing the actual amount of the annuity.<ref>OPM will pay an estimated amount of the annuity -- generally around 80% of the final -- at the first payment after retirement, and generally it will take 60-90 days after retirement before the full amount is paid (including back amounts owed).</ref>

A separate letter of retirement/resignation is not required; the form serves as notice of an intention to leave civil service.

A separate letter of retirement/resignation is not required; the form serves as notice of an intention to leave civil service.

Per OPM, an employee may withdraw the form at any time prior to actual retirement by simply informing his/her agency's personnel office of such withdrawal.  However, the agency is not required to accept withdrawal but is required to state in writing the reason for refusal (e.g. the employee's position is being abolished, a replacement has been designated, but in practice agencies can refuse withdrawal for any reason if they really want to cut ties with the employee).

Per OPM, an employee may withdraw the form at any time prior to actual retirement by simply informing his/her agency's personnel office of such withdrawal.  However, the agency is not required to accept withdrawal but is required to state in writing the reason for refusal (e.g. the employee's position is being abolished or a replacement has been designated; however, in practice agencies will refuse withdrawal for a fabricated reason if they really want to permanently cut ties with the employee).

==The Form==

==The Form==