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Issue Explainer

An Act relative to benefits for teachers/An Act relative to teacher retirement election

These bills allow teachers hired before July 1, 2001, who did not provide a written election to participate in RetirementPlus, to have a second opportunity to do so.
RetirementPlus Lobby Day with AFT Massachusetts on June 25 2025
By: MTA Staff
Published: January 1, 2025

In 2001, Massachusetts introduced RetirementPlus, which allows teachers to retire a little earlier if they increase theamount they contribute to their pension to 11% of their salary.

Teachers hired before July 1, 2001, had the option to elect to join RetirementPlus when it was enacted through an often-confusing process.

Some teachers never received an enrollment form while others were told they had been enrolled in RetirementPlus, only later learning that they were not.

A ruling by the Division of Administrative Law Appeals has made it clear that legislation is needed to fix this problem.

Currently, all newly hired teachers are automatically enrolled in RetirementPlus. Please support giving this opportunity to some of our longest-serving public school teachers

This bill will:

Provide a one-time opportunity to opt-in to RetirementPlus for teachers hired before July 1, 2001, who are not currently enrolled in RetirementPlus.
Require a buyback payment from the teacher equal to the difference between their past contribution rate and the 11% contribution rate, to be paid to their retirement system prior to retirement.
Increase the pension contribution rate of those participating to 11% of their salary. Currently, all newly hired teachers are automatically enrolled in RetirementPlus. Please support giving this opportunity to some of our longest-serving public school teachers.

Currently, all newly hired teachers are automatically enrolled in RetirementPlus. Please support giving this opportunity to some of our longest-serving public school teachers.

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Retired member standing at a rally, holding a sign with a “No ICE” symbol, alongside others advocating for immigrant rights and community protections.

Reired Speakers Series

The Retired Members Committee hosts a Speaker Series on Wednesdays, providing retired educators with opportunities to stay informed and connected. Each session features knowledgeable speakers – including MTA leaders, policy experts and fellow members – who share insights, updates, and practical tools. Participants can deepen their understanding of current challenges, gain new skills and stay active in advocacy efforts that support students, schools and educators across the Commonwealth. Beyond learning, the Speaker Series offers a space to reconnect with colleagues, build community and continue contributing your voice and experience to the ongoing work of strengthening public education.
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The MTA represents 117,000 members in 400 local associations throughout Massachusetts. We are teachers, faculty, professional staff and Education Support Professionals working at public schools, colleges and universities across Massachusetts.
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