Retirees and Survivors

The most recent pension reform legislation, signed into law last November,  went into effect April 2, 2012. Several changes may directly affect current retirees.

Members who retired before May 17, 2004 and chose Option A or B and who married a person of the same gender before May 17, 2005 may change their retirement option selection to Option C. The deadline to notify the Board of this request is July 1, 2012. The change would be retroactive to the retirement date, thus the Board must be reimbursed the difference between the Option C benefit you otherwise would have received and the original benefit chosen.

Eligible survivors of deceased retirees may also request this change. If you would like to request this change, please contact our office by July 1, 2012. You have up to 48 months to complete the reimbursement. Survivors of members who pass away before completing the repayment would have to complete the repayment before they can start receiving any Option C benefits.

A minimum retirement allowance of $15,000 per year is established for members with 25 years or more of creditable service. If you are affected by this change, your pension will be automatically adjusted effective April 2nd, and you will see the change.

Benefit Verification Forms have been mailed out and are due by April 30,2012. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact our office at 617-367-7770,  or toll-free in MA only, 800-392-6014. Click the heading above for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

A list of deceased retirees whose Option B benefits have been unclaimed.