Tips

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) services over 2.4 million retirees, job applicants, over 2 million Federal employees, almost 9 million people covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, veterans and the rest of the American public.

• Focus on what you need from OPM. When you contact OPM it is helpful if you focus on what the issue is and how we can help you, e.g., I have not received my annuity check, I work for the Federal government and cannot get an answer to ..., I have applied for a Federal position and ...
• Each organization (Government, private, public) has its own "language" and abbreviations. Please let us know what your acronyms and abbreviations mean.
• Write clearly and concisely. Please be specific and convey the detail of any incident and articulate your concerns in a clear and concise manner. Write down the facts in a logical order and stick to what is relevant. Remember to include important details like your Civil Service (CSA, CSI, CSF, etc.) number, if you are a retiree, survivor annuitant, or former spouse. Put these details at the top of the communication.
• Keep a record of events. If you speak with someone on the telephone, make a note of whom you speak to, the date, the time, and what was said. If you use the mail (either regular postal mail or email), keep a copy and of any replies you receive.
• Keep the documents. Retain the original of all documents, letters, emails etc., regarding your concern. Provide copies of originals only if you are asked for them and send it to OPM with a service that allows you to get a receipt.
• Remember that OPM needs a reasonable amount of time to respond. Ask, if you are not told, when you can expect a response. Be sure to tell the person how you prefer to be contacted.
• Contact Information. Go to Contact for contact information.