Breaking News

Back From Hiatus

Back From Hiatus

Our weekly updates are back after a short August hiatus. Remember, we include a video update from me within these emails. Click on the photo or the link below to watch/listen to the latest news and information. My goal is to keep our members well informed. 

This week the focus is the Primary Election here in Massachusetts. While Election Day is Tuesday, September 1, vote by mail and early voting have been ongoing throughout August. In a recent survey we conducted, more than 70% of Mass Retirees members indicated that they intended to vote by mail.

Tablet for Seniors Helps Identify COVID-19 Symptoms

Tablet for Seniors Helps Identify COVID-19 Symptoms

A tablet made by a Massachusetts company is using artificial intelligence to help seniors with chronic health conditions as well as to identify symptoms of the novel coronavirus. The technology is empowering seniors to have more control of their health and avoid trips to the doctor and hospital.

 

 

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER JOAN SCHLOSS DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER JOAN SCHLOSS DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

Former Head of Teachers’ Retirement Board

MAY 28, 2020: It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Joan Schloss DeLena, who died on May 22nd from a lung disorder related to her prolonged fight with cancer. Joan had served as a member of the Mass Retirees Executive Board since September of 2015.

Mass Public Pension Systems Stable & Secure

Mass Public Pension Systems Stable & Secure

Well Prepared to Weather Storm

APRIL 24, 2020: Learning from the 2008 Financial Collapse and Great Recession that followed, Massachusetts’ 104 public pension systems are financially stable and secure. Not a single system in the Commonwealth is in financial hardship or stands in danger of not being able to meet pension obligations to retirees.

UPDATES: UNEMPLOYMENT AND STIMULUS PAYMENT

UPDATES: UNEMPLOYMENT AND STIMULUS PAYMENT

Unemployment Assistance

The Baker Administration announced this week that the online filing system for those who have been unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic is now open. The benefits fall under the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and is separate from the regular unemployment insurance program. 

Pension Fund Weathering Storm of Pandemic, Markets

Pension Fund Weathering Storm of Pandemic, Markets

Managers Overseeing $70.7 Billion Fund From Homes

Colin A. Young, State House News Service

BOSTON, APRIL 22, 2020.....The state pension fund is confident that, despite the volatility that has rocked financial markets over the last six weeks or so, it will have no problem paying out roughly $1.3 billion for pension benefits this year.

STIMULUS PAYMENTS HAVE STARTED

STIMULUS PAYMENTS HAVE STARTED

APRIL 15, 2020: As of today, retirees have begun receiving their one-time stimulus payments that were part of the $2 trillion dollar package passed by Congress in late March. Those retirees with direct deposit on file with either the IRS or the Social Security Administration started seeing their payments show up this week in their accounts.

Stimulus payments will continue to be made over the coming weeks by the federal government.

Applying For Unemployment

Applying For Unemployment

Answering Member Questions 

Public retirees were among the 469,000 Mass. residents who filed unemployment claims with the Mass. Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) over the past 3 weeks. With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and economic decline, that number will unfortunately continue to grow at least for now.

Members, who have lost a job during the crisis, have reached out to us with their questions on applying for unemployment. Anticipating much of the same this month, we’ve listed below the most frequently asked questions.

Special Legislation Waives Retiree Work Limits for 2020

Special Legislation Waives Retiree Work Limits for 2020

Final Approval by Governor Expected Soon

APRIL 3, 2020: Late Thursday, the Legislature passed special legislation that waives the legal limit on public retirees working in government jobs here in Massachusetts. Governor Charlie Baker is expected to sign this special act as soon as today, which will waive both the hour and earnings limits for superannuation retirees in 2020.

Don’t Fall For Medicare Scams

Don’t Fall For Medicare Scams