How much am I required to contribute?

You are required to contribute a set percentage of your regular compensation through regular payroll deductions, and if applicable, an additional 2% on any regular compensation over $30,000.00. Your contribution rate is set by law (Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 32 §22) and is determined by the date on which you most recently became eligible for membership in a Massachusetts contributory retirement system and from which you continuously maintained your funds on account. Most, but not all, members will establish membership in a contributory retirement system on the date that they start working as a public sector employee in Massachusetts.

If the date on which you became a member of a Massachusetts contributory retirement system and from which you continuously maintained your funds on account is... Your contribution rate is...
Prior to January 1, 1975 5%
January 1, 1975 through December 31, 1983 * 7%
January 1, 1984 through June 30, 1996 * 8%
On or after July 1, 1996 * 9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

* The additional 2% deduction on any regular compensation over $30,000.00 is determined by your date of membership. If the date on which you establish membership in a Massachusetts contributory retirement system and from which you continuously maintained your funds on account is:

  • Before January 1, 1979....................NOT subject to additional 2%
  • On or after January 1, 1979………..….subject to additional 2%