The Basics
Contributions, Investments and Services
Retiring
Additional Benefits
| Description | ORP | SERS |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Type | Defined Contribution | Defined Benefit |
| Internal Revenue Code Section | 401(a) | 401(a) |
| Vesting | Immediate 100% | After 10 years of creditable service |
| Description | ORP | SERS |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution Rate | Employee Contribution: 9% of annual regular salary to $30,000, plus 11% of annual regular salary above $30,000 | Employee Contribution: 9% of annual regular salary to $30,000, plus 11% of annual regular salary above $30,000 |
| Contribution from the Commonwealth | Employer Contribution: 5% of regular salary | Commonwealth ensures full funding for promised benefits |
| Plan Investments | Participants select the investments for their own accounts | Commonwealth manages all investments |
| Ability to Purchase Years of Service | Not applicable. See FAQs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. | Members may purchase past years (including military service and possibly state contract work) to increase their retirement income |
| Re-employment Before Retirement | A former ORP participant may participate in the ORP immediately upon re-employment in an eligible position | A former SERS member may participate in the SERS immediately upon re-employment |
| Description | ORP | SERS |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility to Begin Benefit Payments | Any time after terminating employment with the Commonwealth | Eligible after 10 years of service and attaining age 60 |
| Benefit Amounts | Benefit amount is based upon account balance and payment method selected | Amount of income is based on: - age - length of creditable service - level of salary - group classification - payment option |
| Payment Options | Variety of payment options* ranging from lifetime income to lump sums *Married participants must draw benefits under a Joint & Survivor Annuity providing at least 50% of the benefit for their spouse. Spouses may waive their rights to this benefit; enabling use of other payment methods. |
Lifetime income, payable under options which can provide survivor benefits |
| Exempt from Massachusetts Tax | Yes, when paid to retirees residing in Massachusetts | Yes, when paid to retirees residing in Massachusetts |
| Cost-of-Living Adjustments | Participants should structure their investments during retirement to ensure their incomes keep pace with or exceed inflation | Adjustments are provided by legislative act each year |
| Re-employment After Retirement | Participants who become re-employed by any of the Commonwealth’s institutions of higher education in any non-benefited position may draw funds from the Plan. | Members may continue their retirement income with maximum workload requirements. Members may discontinue their retirement income to work without limitation of their hours. |
| Description | ORP | SERS |
|---|---|---|
| Retiree Health Care, Dental & Life Insurances | Eligible after 10 years of service at age 55, or 20 years at any age. Retirees must maintain sufficient funds in their accounts. | Eligible after 10 years of service at age 55, or 20 years at any age |
| Disability Benefits | Long-term disability insurance provided as part of the ORP | Disability pensions are payable to vested participants. Benefits are payable to non-vested participants if they are disabled on the job. SERS participants often purchase supplemental disability insurance through the Group Insurance Commission. |
| Pre-retirement Death Benefits | Your ORP retirement account balance* and ORP life insurance proceeds are payable to your beneficiaries. Participants may also purchase optional life insurance through the Group Insurance Commission. *Married participants’ spouses are deemed to be the beneficiary for at least 50% of one’s retirement account. However, spouses may waive this right to enable other beneficiary designations. |
Depending on your vested status, lifetime income or lump sum benefits can be payable to your spouse or survivors. Members may also purchase optional life insurance through the Group Insurance Commission. |
| In-service Withdrawals & Loans | Not Available | Not Available |
| Portability | Participant accounts may remain in the plan or be rolled into either another employer’s plan or a Rollover IRA. Employer-funded benefits are not forfeited at termination of employment. | Non-vested members may withdraw their contributions to roll into another employer’s plan or a Rollover IRA. Vested members may withdraw their contributions to roll into another employer’s plan or a Rollover IRA, but would forfeit their rights to an employer-funded pension. |
Section 60 Pension Reform
Choosing a Retirement Plan
Eligibility & EnrollmentORP Insurance BenefitsChanges in Employment StatusMaintaining Provider AccountRetirement & Post-Employment Insurance BenefitsDrawing Benefits from the ORPSocial Security Offset ProgramsDomestic Relations OrdersConnect @MassDHE
