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Other Life Events Affecting ORP BENEFITS and Participation
DisabilityCertain actively employed participants who become disabled may be eligible for the continuation of account contributions for a period of time equal to 10% of the monthly wage base as defined in the insurance certificate.
Divorce
Divorce, either before or after retirement,
may entitle the participant's spouse to receive a portion
of the participant's retirement benefit, in
accordance with the terms of a
court-issued Qualified Domestic Relations
Order (QDRO). Contact the Plan
Administrator for procedures.
Military Service
The period of time spent in qualified military
service, up to five years, will be recognized in employer contributions provided certain provisions are met.
Family and Medical Leaves
If you take a leave of absence covered under the Family
and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), your participation in
the ORP continues provided your account balance has
not been distributed.
Leave of Absence
Participants taking a leave of absence may have plan contributions and/or ORP insurance coverages continue while on leave, provided the workload is not reduced lower than 50% FTE.
Leaving Employment
Participants who leave employment are eligible to maintain the individual ORP account, receive
payment of the individual ORP account, transfer assets between Providers, or roll over other plans' assets into the ORP. Plan contributions are discontined. Additional details should also be considered when leaving employment.
Reduction In Workload
Plan Contributions will cease when a participant’s workload in a covered position is reduced to a level below the minimum required in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32 (50% FTE). Contributions would resume if the participant’s workload in a covered position is increased to the minimum at a later date.
Death
Participants whose death occurs before retirement will have the value of the individual ORP account disbursed to the designated beneficiary. Participants whose death occurs after retirement will have the value of the individual ORP account disbursed to the designated beneficiary in the manner established by the participant prior to his/her death.