Payment Dates
Federal Retiree Annuity Payment Dates for 2026 and 2027 (CSRS and FERS)
By the ForLowerBills Editorial Team · Reviewed by the ForLowerBills Editorial Team against official sources · Last updated: November 1, 2026 · Sources checked: November 1, 2026 · How we research
OPM pays CSRS and FERS retirement and survivor annuities once a month, on the first business day, for the month before. Unlike Social Security or VA, an OPM payment never moves earlier: when the 1st is a weekend or holiday, it comes on the next business day.
How OPM Pays Your Annuity
OPM says "payment is always made the first business day of the month" (OPM annuity payments (opens in a new tab)), and each payment is for the prior month (OPM Retirement Quick Guide (opens in a new tab)). OPM's own example: benefits that accrue in December 2026 are payable Monday, Jan. 4, 2027, because Jan. 1 is New Year's Day and Jan. 2 to 3 is a weekend.
Next OPM Annuity Payments
- Mon, Nov. 2, 2026: October 2026 annuity (Nov. 1 is a Sunday)
- Tue, Dec. 1, 2026: November 2026 annuity
- Mon, Jan. 4, 2027: December 2026 annuity (confirmed by OPM)
Annuity Payment Calendar: November 2026 to January 2028
Dates follow OPM's first-business-day rule checked against the OPM federal holiday list (opens in a new tab). Bold rows move later than the 1st.
| Annuity for | Payment date | Why |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | Mon, Nov 2, 2026 | The 1st is a weekend or holiday, paid the next business day |
| November 2026 | Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | Normal |
| December 2026 | Mon, Jan 4, 2027 | The 1st is a weekend or holiday, paid the next business day |
2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment
We are not listing a 2027 COLA percentage for CSRS or FERS on this page. See OPM's annuity payments page (opens in a new tab) for the official notice. Status here: Unknown.
If a Payment Is Missing
OPM says to call your bank first if a payment does not arrive on the first business day. You can then report a missing payment online through OPM or write to OPM, Attention: Check Loss, P.O. Box 7815, Washington, D.C. 20044-7815. OPM's retirement line is 1-888-767-6738.
Ways to stretch each payment
A fixed annuity goes further when the monthly bills shrink:
- Lower your internet bill: Ask about affordable plans and drop fees you do not need. See all tips
- Lower your heating bill: Cheap fixes and assistance programs before winter bills land. See all tips
- Lower your water bill: Find leaks and ask your utility about assistance. See all tips
Independent site, not a government agency
ForLowerBills.com is an independent, free resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or any government agency. Dates are worked out from OPM rules and can change. Confirm in OPM Services Online.
Frequently asked questions
When are OPM retirement annuities paid?
On the first business day of each month, for the month before. If the 1st is a weekend or federal holiday, payment comes on the next business day.
When is the January 2027 OPM annuity payment?
Monday, Jan. 4, 2027, for December 2026. OPM states this date directly.
Why is my November 2026 annuity on Nov. 2?
Nov. 1, 2026 is a Sunday, so the first business day is Monday, Nov. 2.
Which 2027 payments come after the 1st?
Jan. 4 (Jan. 1 holiday), May 3 (May 1 is a Saturday), Aug. 2 (Aug. 1 is a Sunday), and Jan. 3, 2028 (Jan. 1, 2028 is a Saturday).
Does this apply to survivor annuities?
Yes. Under CSRS and FERS, employee and survivor annuities are both paid on the first business day of the month.
Official sources
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