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Welcome
The Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System is the largest of the Commonwealth’s 105 contributory retirement systems. We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to more than 88,000 active educators and 55,000 retirees and survivors. We’re glad to have you as a visitor and encourage you to browse often!
Timely topics
• "Your MTRS Benefits" programs
• 1099-R and Benefit Verification form mailing
Active members: Learn about "Your MTRS Benefits" at our spring programs
Your MTRS Benefits is an optional, free, two-hour informal program for any member who wants more information about MTRS retirement benefits—whether you are a two-year member, mid-career educator, or soon-to-be-retiree. To attend, register online.
Retiring in 2013 and have not yet filed your application?
Be sure to file “on time”—and plan your finances if you file “late”
We will be converting to a new computer system later this year, which may require a brief and temporary interruption to our retirement processing system.
You should file your application four months BEFORE your retirement date. If you don’t, your application will be considered filed “late,” and you should expect a delay of up to four months before you receive your first retirement check.
If you file “late,” be sure to plan your finances so that you have sufficient funds to cover any delay. Plan to cover the period between your last paycheck and your first retirement check, which could be up to four months, and make arrangements with your local insurance coordinator so that there is no lapse in your health coverage during this time period.
Retirees: If you have returned your 2013 Benefit Verification form, thank you! If not, please watch for your "Second Notice" to arrive between March 28 and April 5
If you have already returned your completed 2013 Benefit Verification form, thank you! If you lost or misplaced your original form, please watch your mailbox for a "Second Notice" to arrive by April 5—and be sure to return your completed form by Tuesday, April 30.
Has your address changed within the last six months? If so, and you have not yet notified us of your new address, your original Benefit Verification Form may have been returned to us, and your "second notice" may also be returned. Please be sure to send us a change of address form, and include a note to request that another Benefit Verification Form be sent to you at your new address.
For more information, please see: Benefit Verification process.
Governor proposes health care benefit reforms for future public retirees; current MTRS retirees not affected
On February 12, 2013, Governor Patrick proposed legislation to reform health care benefits for future public retirees in an effort to reduce costs and ensure quality healthcare benefits for future retirees. For additional information, please see the text of the bill (H59) and the Governor's press release on proposed retiree health care benefit reform.
Option A and B retirees and survivor benefit recipients:
Do you need to name or update a beneficiary designee to receive any MTRS benefits that you earn in the month of your death?
If you have a designee on file with us, we may issue any final payment directly to an individual rather than to your estate, which could require additional paperwork and expense. See Updating your beneficiary.
