State Public Pensions in Massachusetts

State Public Pensions in Massachusetts: key facts

Systems

Massachusetts State Retirement Board (MSRB) for state employees; Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System (MTRS) for public educators.

Retiree death

The continuing benefit depends on the option elected: Option A pays nothing to survivors; Option B pays the remaining balance of the member's accumulated deductions to the beneficiary; Option C, the joint and last survivor allowance, pays a designated beneficiary a lifetime monthly allowance equal to two-thirds of the allowance being paid to the member at the time of death.

Pre-retirement death (Option D)

If a member dies in active service, the beneficiary may take either a lump-sum distribution of the member's accumulated deductions, or — where an Option D form naming them was on file before the date of death — the Option D member-survivor allowance under M.G.L. c. 32 § 12(2): a lifetime monthly allowance equal to the full Option C allowance the member would have received had they retired on the date of death. The member must have at least two years of creditable service; if the member was under 55, the allowance is calculated as if they were 55.

Survivor Benefits contact (MSRB)

To report a death: 617-367-9333 ext. 851, or survivorbenefits@tre.state.ma.us. MSRB main line: 617-367-7770.

What MSRB needs to report a death

A copy of the death certificate (scanned as a PDF if emailed — the Board cannot accept photo files); the full name of the benefit recipient, Option C beneficiary, or active member; Social Security number or MSRB ID if known; date of death; and a contact name, mailing address, and phone number.

Governing law: M.G.L. c. 32, s. 12(2) (Option D member-survivor allowance)