Steps to Consider As You Plan Ahead

Do you have social security credits?

Check with the social security office to determine what benefits you will receive. In many cases, public pension income causes a reduction in social security benefits. Make sure you determine how the windfall elimination provision (the WEP) and the government pension offset (the GPO) affect you.


Did you have other public service credits?

If you have retirement funds in another Massachusetts public system, tell your retirement office. The funds and service credits can be transferred to your current account. If you have withdrawn funds, you can arrange to buy back the service credits.


Can you buy military service or previous public service?

You can pay through these service credits through payroll deductions. Set up your payment schedule to make sure you have completed the payments before you retire.