Ready to Retire (MSRB)

Information for employees nearing retirement

Thinking about retirement? Here's a look at the process.

Step 1: If Applicable, Buy Back Creditable Public Service

Do you have creditable service from another government job that you haven't purchased? Check to see if you are eligible for a buyback. All service purchases must be completed/paid in full prior retirement, so give yourself plenty of time to do it before applying for retirement.

Note: We strongly suggest that you buy back applicable public service at least 1-2 years prior to your retirement date. 

Additional Resources

Step 2: If Applicable, Apply for Group Classification

If applicable, you can apply for Group Classification up to 6 months before your retirement date. 

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Step 3: Complete the Appropriate Retirement Application

The most common type of retirement form is the "Superannuation Retirement Form." What exactly is "Superannuation" anyway? Superannuation, or "regular" retirement, is the term that is used to describe the process of being retired upon reaching a certain age and/or earning a certain amount of creditable service.

There are other types of retirement: Disability, Termination, and Judicial, outlined below.

Take some time to consider your options, and fill out the application for retirement.

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Disability Retirement

There are two types of Disability Retirements: Accidental and Ordinary

Accidental Disability

To qualify for an Accidental Disability Retirement you must suffer an illness or injury while in the performance of your duties (work related).

Accidental Disability Retirement is calculated at 72% of the member's salary on the date of injury or the last 12 months working average plus annuity.

Eligibility is immediate and the pension is not federally taxable.

Ordinary Disability

To qualify for an Ordinary Disability Retirement you must suffer an illness or injury that keeps you from performing your duties at work. To qualify for an Ordinary Disability you must have at least 10 years of full-time creditable service.

Non-veterans will have their age raised to 55 and have their retirement calculated under regular retirement.

Veterans receive 50% of the last year's salary average under option A.

The Ordinary Disability pension will be federally taxable.

Approval Process

Disability Retirement applications require approval from both the State Board of Retirement and the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC). You must also go before a three-member independent medical panel and submit your medical records. Final approval can take up to 12 months or more.

If you have questions contact one of our disability counselors at 617-367-7770 ext. 2.

For more information see PERAC'S Guide to Disability Retirement

Additional Resources

Termination Retirement

You can apply for a Termination Retirement Allowance (Section 10) if the following are true:

  • You entered service before April 2, 2012
  • You have 20 years or more of full time creditable service
  • You were involuntarily separated from your position
  • Employee would receive 1/3 of three-year salary average plus annuity

or

  • You have 30 years or more of full time creditable service regardless of nature of separation
  • You must be under the age of 55
  • Retirement allowance is calculated two ways, section 10 or superannuation retirement. Employee is given highest calculation.

A Termination Retirement Allowance requires approval by both the Board and the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) and certification by your employer. 

Additional Resources

Judicial Retirement

Retirement benefits for Commonwealth judges are administered by the Massachusetts State Retirement Board (“MSRB”) as part of the Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System (“MSERS”). Judicial retirement benefits are set forth specifically under G. For more information, visit the Judicial Retirement Benefits site

Additional Resources

Contact   for Ready to Retire (MSRB)

Phone

Drop-off hours at both offices are Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, except on state holidays.

Bypass the call center if you know your party's extension.

For those calling from Massachusetts only.

Address

Boston Office
One Winter Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
Springfield Office
436 Dwight Street, Room 109A, Springfield , MA 01103

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