OPM Mandates eFile System for Federal Overtime, Back Pay, and Compensation Claims
Federal employees who file claims for back pay, unpaid overtime, unused leave, and other compensation issues will soon be required to submit them through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) eFile system rather than by mail or email.
The changes could be especially relevant for law enforcement officers and other federal employees who file Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime claims.
In an updated rule for Procedures on Settling Claims, OPM said switching to an eFile system “will be used for all appeals and claims to allow for faster receipt facilitating OPM's processing and review.”
The new system will apply to a wide range of submissions, including claims filed by current and former federal employees, as well as claims submitted by beneficiaries of deceased federal employees and deceased veterans.
OPM said the eFile system is expected to improve tracking and reduce administrative delays by creating a more centralized process for receiving and managing claims.
“Claims are often delayed in the mailroom, misrouted to another organization, or wait to be scanned in for processing. Using an electronic filing system eliminates the possibility of misrouting and the need to scan in the claims,” wrote OPM in the direct final rule.
Comments are accepted through August 31, 2026. The rule is scheduled to take effect September 29, 2026, unless OPM receives significant adverse comments.
FLSA Claims Also Moving Online
In a separate direct final rule, OPM updated procedures for submitting Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) claims.
Like other compensation-related claims, FLSA claims will now be required to be submitted through OPM’s eFile system rather than by mail or email.
The agency said the transition is part of a broader effort to modernize its claims process and improve efficiency in handling employee pay and benefits disputes.
Exemptions
Both rules contain an “exemption process under which OPM may authorize an alternative method of filing for a party or representative who cannot reasonably file electronically.”
In addition, claims filed before the September 29, 2026, effective date will continue to be processed under the previous filing procedures.
