Articles about Retirement Benefits that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees.
Zebit is Online Resource Exclusively for Members
MAY 23, 2016: Our Association has some exciting news that I would like to be the first to share with you.
As you know, in addition to our advocacy work for public retirees, we also seek ways for members to save money through exclusive discount programs. Due to the success of these programs, retirees have asked that we offer more ways for members to save.
You asked. We listened.
Work Continues On Remaining Applications
On August 31, approximately 600 former state employees, who retired under the Employee Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP), will be receiving their first pension payment, retroactive to June 30, 2015. According to the ERIP law (Chapter 19, Acts of 2015), the State Retirement Board had 120 days (4 months) from the date of retirement (June 30) to issue pensions to the ERIP retirees.
Governor Charlie Baker’s early retirement plan is on pace to draw fewer applicants than his administration predicted, a gap that could prompt state government layoffs later this year.
Members Can Save at Least 6% Off Arbella Premium
MAY 2015 VOICE: Last year the Association began exploring the possibility of offering discount programs to members. Our first such program, a discounted BJ’s Wholesale Club membership, was unveiled in December and proved a great success.
Since then, we’ve listened to the requests of members and have worked to develop new programs.
Offer Extended Through June 30th!
JUNE 5, 2015: Mass Retirees is happy to announce that our exclusive discount program with BJ’s Wholesale Club has been extended through June 30, 2015. Retirees must be a dues paying Mass Retirees member in order to qualify for the program.
MAY 2015 VOICE: For those members with insurance needs outside of Massachusetts, the Association is now in the process of establishing a similar discount program with national insurance providers.
By Joshua Miller
Globe Staff March 23, 2015
In a boost for a key part of Governor Charlie Baker’s budget plan, Speaker Robert A. DeLeo Monday backed a pension-sweetening early retirement program that Baker proposed to help close a gnawing state budget gap.
DeLeo said the House of Representatives intends to vote as soon as this week on the plan, which works to entice thousands of state workers to retire early by offering them a chance to boost their pensions by crediting them with up to five additional years of age or work.
Baker Plan Limited in Scope
MARCH 9, 2014: Last week, Governor Charlie Baker proposed the first early retirement incentive (ERI) plan in nearly twelve years as a means to avoid potential layoffs of some 4,500 state executive branch employees.
Baker to start by offering enhanced-pension deals, hopes for 4,500 takers
By Joshua Miller Globe Staff March 02, 2015
Facing the prospect of a daunting state budget gap, Governor Charlie Baker will file legislation this week aimed at enticing thousands of state employees to retire early. But if the move does not generate the expected savings, workers will be laid off, a top official said Sunday.
Blizzard May Cause Postal Delays
JANUARY 29, 2015: Tax documents for retired Massachusetts public employees are now in the process of being issued by the 10 retirement systems.
The IRS gives retirement boards (and all employers) through January 30th to issue 1099s to those retirees and surviving spouses who received a retirement allowance in 2014. Some systems have already mailed the forms to retirees. All members should receive their 1099 document by the end of the first week of February.
Since 1968 the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association has been the leading voice for Massachusetts public retirees and their families. Join with our 52,000 members as we continue the fight.
