Category: News

COVID-19 UPDATE – Effective March 23, 2020

The Middlesex County Retirement Board wishes to assure our members that although our offices have been closed to the public and our staffing has been reduced due to the pandemic, our primary responsibilities continue to be fulfilled.  The retiree payroll system continues to function normally and monthly retirement checks will be directly deposited as expected on March 31, 2020.  We do not expect any issues to arise with processing payroll during the pandemic.  

Our priority is public safety and the health of our community and staff.   If you have questions, simply email us at mrs@middlesexretirement.org or call 978-439-3000 if you need assistance. Thank you.

Office Closed to Public Effective March 16, 2020

The first priority of the Middlesex County Retirement Board is public safety and the health of our community and staff.  The retirement office will be closed to the general public starting March 16, 2020.  We believe that minimized contact between members of the public and our staff is consistent with the current advice we have received from the experts.  Nevertheless, as this situation continues to develop, our staff continues to work and to serve the public.  Simply email us at mrs@middlesexretirement.org or call 978-439-3000 if you need assistance.  Thank you.

Pension Education Series: Understanding Your Public Pension and Social Security

The Middlesex County Retirement Board is pleased to announce its 2020 Pension Education Series: Understanding Your Public Pension and Social Security.  We invite members of the Middlesex County Retirement System and their families to attend this 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.

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 at one of the sessions listed below.

Benefit Verification Affidavits Mailed

On February 28, 2020, members and beneficiaries who receive a pension, retirement allowance, or survivor’s allowance from the Middlesex County Retirement System were mailed a Benefit Verification Affidavit.  If you are a benefit recipient, you must complete, sign and return the Affidavit certifying your eligibility to continue receiving benefits.  Affidavits must be returned to our office by April 17, 2020 to avoid an interruption in benefit payments.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

COLA

The Middlesex County Retirement System voted unanimously on February 19th 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 1st.