Biennial Benefit Verification Process (MSRB)

Every two years, the State Retirement Board conducts a benefit verification process (BVF), mandated by state regulations.

All benefit recipients must demonstrate that they remain eligible to continue receiving benefits. Failure to properly complete and promptly return your form to the Board may result in the suspension or termination of your benefits.

Please note, during the verification process, your benefit payments will not be delayed or withheld without prior notification. Board staff will make every effort to contact members who do not return a BVF before withholding benefit payments.

YOUR COMPLETED BENEFIT VERIFICATION FORM CAN BE MAILED TO THE BOARD'S BOSTON OFFICE, THE ADDRESS IS:

MA STATE RETIREMENT BOARD, ONE WINTER ST 8TH FL, BOSTON, MA 02108

IF YOU NEED A BVF FORM MAILED TO YOU PLEASE EMAIL YOUR REQUEST TO: [e-mail]

THANK YOU!

Purpose and General Information

State regulations (PERAC Regulations 840 CMR 15.01) require the benefit verification no less frequently than once every two years for each member or beneficiary who receives a pension, retirement allowance, or survivor's allowance.

The Third & Final Round of Retiree Benefit Verification Forms (BVF) Were Mailed 12/30/22!

The third and final notice was mailed to all those who have not yet submitted a valid Benefit Verification Form (BVF), or whose form was rejected and not approved. If you have previously submitted a 2022 BVF but are not sure why it was rejected, or if there is a reason prohibiting you from completing this form, please call our office immediately at [phone] extension 858.

Second Round of Retiree Benefit Verification Forms (BVF) Mailed 10/3/22!

The second round of 2022 Benefit Verification Forms (BVF) were mailed on October 3, 2022 to all those who either were unable to return the first form, or whose first Form was rejected. The deadline to return the second Form is Friday, October 28, 2022.

There is no notarization requirement for the 2022 BVF, but your signature on the BVF will still have to be witnessed by someone over the age of eighteen.

• The benefit recipient's spouse CAN witness verification form, as well as any other person (including someone living in the home) as long as they are age 18 or older.

Note, the Board will confirm receipt of an individual BVF. Members whose BVFs have been received and validated may receive a postcard that acknowledges receipt.

Anyone who received a pension benefit payment prior to 12/31/2021 is included in the 2022 process. If your retirement date was in 2021, but you did not receive your first benefit payment until 2022, you will not be included in the 2022 BVF process.

Please note, during the verification process, your benefit payments will not be delayed or withheld without prior notification. Board staff will make every effort to contact members who do not return a BVF before withholding benefit payments.

Please keep in mind the following when filling out your form:

1. Section 2 MUST be completed (signature required) by the member or the authorized agent (power of attorney (POA), guardian or conservator) acting on behalf of the member.

2. If an authorized agent completes the BVF, a full copy of the authorization document must be already on file with the Board or attached to the 2020 BVF. Section 4 (on the back) must also be completed.

3. Section 3 must be completed and witnessed by someone who is over the age of eighteen. Their name and signature must be legible. Note, the member and witness signatures MUST have the SAME DATE. (For 2022 only, the Board does not require the notarization of this form.) Please include the relationship status of the witness on the “Relationship to Retiree/Beneficiary” line. Failure to include the relationship status will result in your form being rejected.

4. Please do not mail your completed form to the Board's offices. Instead, please mail your completed form to MSRB, PO Box 167, Randolph, MA 02368-0167.

If there is a reason that would prevent you from completing a BVF, or if you need assistance, please contact our office at [phone] ext. 858 or send an email:

• Benefits Pay: [e-mail]

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First Round 2022 Benefit Verification Form (BVF) Mailed 

BVF Notes:

The 2022 Benefit Verification Forms were mailed mid-June.

There will be no notarization requirement for the 2022 BVF, but your signature on the BVF will have to be witnessed by someone over the age of eighteen. 

• The benefit recipient's spouse CAN witness verification form, as well as any other person (including someone living in the home) as long as they are age 18 or older.

• If you retired after December 31, 2021, you will not receive a Benefit Verification Form, and people who received their first monthly payment in 2022, but had a retirement or payment effective date prior to December 31, 2021, also will not receive a 2022 BVF.
• If there is a change to your name or date of birth, we will need additional documentation before we can update your record. Your member ID does not need to be corrected.
• If the benefit recipient has passed away, there is no need to return the form. Instead, please notify the Board of their passing and mail a copy of their Death Certificate to the Board at One Winter St, 8th FL Boston, MA 02108.
• It is acceptable to return the form after the deadline date of July 21, 2022, without harm to a member's benefit payment.

Retirees Collecting More Than One Pension

If you're collecting a second pension from another retirement board, for example a retiree with the State Board of Retirement is also a survivor of a retiree with the Boston Retirement Board, they must complete one BVF for each Board. The two BVFs received will not look the same and the return address will be for the corresponding Board.

If you are a retiree AND a survivor or a retiree collecting two checks from the Massachusetts State Retirement Board (MSRB), you do not need to complete two forms. 

Note for Disabled Retirees

If you are disabled and cannot leave your home, the Board will accept a letter from a licensed physician attesting to the fact the member is alive but incapable of completing the form. The letter should be attached to the BVF. 

Additional Resources

Do you have BVF Questions? Watch this video, "How to Complete Your 2022 Benefit Verification Form"