The retirement season is coming up soon (Oct. 1, 2022-March 31, 2023), and we need your help to make sure your retirement process goes smoothly.

What You Need to Do

150 days before your proposed retirement date, you should submit a SF-52 in the eTracker web-based tool. For example, if you plan on retiring on Dec. 31, 2022, we request you submit your SF-52 in eTracker by Aug. 31, 2022. To access eTracker, log in to Connect HR and use the eTracker link in the My Links menu on the left.

Retirement Timeline

After you submit the SF-52 in eTracker, you can expect us to process your retirement following this timeline.

• 120 Days Before: No later than 120 days before your proposed retirement date, we will assign your case to a Retirement and Benefits Case Manager, who will contact you and introduce themselves as your point of contact.
• 90 Days Before: No later than 90 days before your proposed retirement date, we will review your Electronic Personnel File. We’ll review your work and salary history and update your Retirement Calculator, also known as GRB. Your case manager will set up an appointment with you to share this information and begin your counseling session.
• 90 to 60 Days Before: During this timeframe, you and your case manager will have regular conversations to work through any retirement and benefits questions. You’ll review, sign and submit various paperwork.
• 30 Days Before: Two pay periods before your proposed retirement date your case manager will complete a final review of your retirement package and send it to the National Finance Center.
• 30 to 60 Days After: NFC will review and certify your retirement package, and then send it to the Office of Personnel Management.
• Up to 3 Months or Longer After: OPM, the final processing authority for your retirement, will review your retirement package and make sure they have all the necessary records. Until OPM finalizes your retirement, you will receive interim retirement payments.

Should you have any questions through this process you should reach out to your designated case manager.

Help is available

Open an HR Help case:

1. Call: 1-877-372-7248, Press 2
2. Email: hrm_contact_center@usda.gov
3. Self-Service: ConnectHR > HR Help link

For detailed instructions, visit the HR Help How-to Add a Case Guide.