Category: News

2019 Fall Newsletter

The Fall 2019 Newsletter has been posted to the site.  Highlights of this issue include: a retirement checklist, understanding the benefit verification process, protecting yourself from telephone scams, the impact of divorce on your benefits, and a social security update.    You are also invited to complete a brief survey about our newsletter.   In an effort to help us help you, please click here and take a moment to answer a few questions about the newsletter and its distribution.

Register Now for the Pension Education Series: Understanding Your Public Pension and Social Security

The Middlesex County Retirement Board is pleased to announce the last of its 2019 Pension Education Series: Understanding Your Public Pension and Social Security. We invite members of the MCRS and their families to attend our popular seminar on public employee retirement benefits and the basics of Social Security, including up to date information on how the “Windfall Elimination Provision” and “Government Pension Offset” impact those benefits. To register, click on the link below.

This session is important for your financial planning, whether you are a new member, a vested mid-career member, or nearing retirement. Topics include the retirement benefit calculation formula, health insurance, taxes, working after retirement, cost-of-living adjustments and how your retirement benefits interact with Social Security.  By attending this seminar you will learn more about one of your most valuable assets. We look forward to having you join us.

Financial Reports

The Middlesex County Retirement System’s 2018 GASB 67 & 68 Reports and 2018 Audit of Financial Statements are now available.

2019 Spring Newsletter

The Spring 2019 Newsletter has been posted to the site.  Highlights of this issue include: understanding PTSD and its impact on first responders and how retirees’ pension benefits make an impact in the local economy.  The Board recently voted to increase the retiree COLA base and presents a COLA history from 1999 – present.  Getting ready to retire?  Read about our resources for estimating your benefits, how creditable services plays a role in your allowance, and important Social Security updates.  We continue our pension education series with future stops in Wayland, Pepperell, Acton and Westford.

COLA

The Middlesex County Retirement Board voted unanimously on February 13th to grant retirees the maximum allowable Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The maximum COLA allowed by law for retirees of the Middlesex County Retirement System is 3% of the first $16,000 of retirement benefits, or $480.00 per year.  This increase will take effect on July 1.