System Eligibility and Enrollment

The Middlesex Contributory Retirement System is comprised of approximately 10,000 active employees, 5,000 benefit recipients, and 3,000 inactive members.

Our members perform public service in 71 governmental units, including 31 municipalities, 20 housing authorities, 9 school districts, 9 water districts, and the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project.

Membership in the Middlesex County Retirement System is required by law for all permanent and temporary employees.  As of September 1, 2010:

permanent employees must be regularly employed in a permanent position for a minimum of 20 hours per week and earning a minimum of $5,000 per year.

temporary employees must be regularly employed in a position for a minimum of 20 hours per week for a period of six consecutive months, and earning a minimum of $5, 000 per year.

Upon establishment of membership, members are allowed to purchase prior non-membership service.

Please note: Employees of all member units of the Middlesex County Retirement System who are employed less than 20 hours per week are ineligible for membership.  Likewise, employees, elected and appointed officials of all member units who earn less than $5,000 per year are ineligible for membership.

Ineligible members must contribute to a deferred compensation plan or other similar plan under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA).