Employee Benefits

The MTRS is the largest of the Commonwealth’s 104 contributory retirement systems.

• Main Website: www.mass.gov/mtrs

• Contact: (617) 679-6877

• First Steps: We recommend attending an MTRS "Ready to Retire" seminar at least two years before your planned date.

Middlesex County Retirement System

For all non-teaching staff who meet the eligibility requirements.

• Main Website: www.middlesexretirement.org

• Contact: (978) 439-3000

• First Steps: Contact the board directly to request a "Statement of Benefits" to understand your estimated pension.

OBRA (Retirement Savings):  Part-time employees in Massachusetts do not pay into Social Security. Instead, 7.5% of earnings goes into a mandatory retirement account called OBRA. This is your money; you can track your balance or roll it over if you leave the district by registering at mass-smart.com.

Key Features:

• It’s Your Money: This is a personal savings account in your name, not a tax.
• Portability: If you leave the district, you can take your balance with you, cash it out (subject to taxes), or roll it into an IRA.
• Tax-Deferred: Your contributions are made pre-tax, reducing your current taxable income.

Manage Your Account: Visit mass-smart.com to track your balance or update your beneficiaries.

First-time users: Click "Register" and use your SSN and Zip Code to set up your profile.