If formerly, I was a member of a Massachusetts contributory retirement system, and I withdrew my funds. Now, can I “buy back” that service and enter the retirement system at my earlier—and lower—contribution rate?

A:  Unfortunately, no. While you may “buy back” that time in order to increase the total amount of your creditable service, your “buy-back” does not entitle you to your earlier contribution rate. You may purchase your service time only; however, not the benefit of the lower contribution rate.

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