Guide
How to Get an OPM Annuity Verification Letter
How federal retirees get an OPM annuity or pension verification letter for a residency or retirement visa abroad — where to request it and how recent it should be.
Quick answer
Federal civil-service retirees request an annuity verification letter from OPM Retirement Services — online through OPM’s retirement services account, or by contacting OPM. It confirms your annuity and monthly amount. Request it close to your visa filing date, as consulates want recent income proof.
On this page
Step by step
Sign in to OPM retirement services
Use your retirement claim number (CSA) and account credentials.
Request an annuity verification
Choose the letter confirming your gross and net monthly annuity.
No online access?
Contact OPM Retirement Services; allow time for mail.
Check the details
Name and amounts should match your other income documents.
OPM letter vs. SF-50
An SF-50 proves federal service. For income on a retirement or residency visa, it’s the OPM annuity letter consulates want. See federal personnel records if you need service history.
When you’ll need it abroad
- Retirement and residency visas with income requirements
- Non-lucrative and passive-income visas
- Foreign bank and residency filings
- Proof of means abroad
Troubleshooting
You can't access your OPM account
Contact OPM Retirement Services for help or a mailed letter.
The letter shows gross but the consulate wants net
Request a letter showing both gross and net annuity.
You're a survivor annuitant
Survivor annuities have their own verification — ask OPM for the survivor version.
You also draw Social Security
Get the SSA letter too.
Next: getting it apostilled
Once you have the document, it needs authentication before a foreign authority will accept it. See how to apostille it. Our price is $299 per document for Hague Convention countries and $399 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, with government fees included.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get an OPM annuity letter?
Federal civil-service retirees receiving an OPM annuity.
How recent should it be?
Most consulates want income proof issued within the last few months.
Is it the same as a Social Security letter?
No — it covers your federal pension. Get both if you receive both.
How long does OPM take by mail?
Allow several weeks; online access is faster.
Does the OPM letter need a translation?
Often — many consulates want income documents in their language.
Sources: U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · Hague Conference — Apostille Section · OPM Retirement Services. Federal Apostille USA is a private service, not a government agency.
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.