Abstract: Method and apparatus embodiments are provided for dynamical adjusting a retry service request timer associated with User Equipment (UE) responsive to a service request based on a current load. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a service request, and modifying a timer value associated with a User Equipment (UE) responsive to the service request based on a current load. The timer value is indicative of a period the UE is to wait before making a next service request. The timer value may be modified based on a leaky bucket algorithm. When the current load is indicative of an overload condition, the timer value is increased. For example, when the total number of service request establishment failures is above the high water mark, the timer value may be is increased. The timer value may be communicated to the UE.