At least three months before retirement, the employee should visit the Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System (MSERS) offices. MSERS personnel will explain the retiring employee’s options and potential benefits. They will also guide the employee through the paperwork and documentation needed to process his or her retirement application. They are aware of the many provisions of the system that affect the employee’s pension amount.

Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System

One Winter Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA  02108
617.367.7770
Monday through Friday, 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM
Walk-in Hours, Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-state-retirement-board

The retiring employee should also make appointments with the following organizations to assist with retirement-related concerns.

Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov): Boston Region MPO employees do not contribute to the Social Security system, and, depending upon their employment history before starting at Boston Region MPO, they may or may not be eligible for Social Security benefits. The Social Security office advises employees on the benefits they are eligible for based on their age, their history of employment prior to Boston Region MPO, and their eligible annual salary.

Group Insurance Commission (www.mass.gov/orgs/group-insurance-commission): Retiring employees may need to make important health insurance and life insurance decisions. To ensure a seamless transition into retirement, they are encouraged to contact the commission office at least three months in advance of retiring to learn about their options. Some health insurance policies do not continue coverage in the same form for retirees who are eligible for Medicare. A different policy may be offered to supplement any Medicare coverage. The retiring employee must make any changes in his or her health insurance coverage early enough to ensure that there will not be a gap in coverage.

MAPC Human Resources: The employee should contact the MAPC Human Resources specialist after meeting with MSERS and prepare a step-by-step approach toward his or her final day of employment. The employee must make a number of decisions and prepare the necessary paperwork at least three months in advance of the final day.