All retirees are allowed to work after retirement, within certain limitations.
For superannuation retirees, the only limitations are around work for a municipal or State employer in Massachusetts. There are no limits on work for a private sector employer, Federal government employer, MBTA, or any work outside of Massachusetts. Retirees collecting a Superannuation benefit who return to work for a public employer in Massachusetts must obey limits on the number of hours worked and the amount of money earned from that employer. First, you cannot work more than 1,200 hours in a calendar year for the public employer. Next, your salary, when added to your pension benefit cannot exceed the amount being paid for the position you retired from. After one full, calendar year of retirement, you may add an additional $15,000 to the earnings limit. Retirees must track both limits carefully since exceeding either limit is a violation of the law and will require repayment of any excess earnings.
For disability retirees, the earnings limit applies to income due to work for any employer. As with Superannuation retirees, you cannot earn more than the difference between the salary paid for your old position and your pension income, plus $15,000. The additional $15,000 applies immediately from the first day of retirement. All disability retirees are required to submit an annual statement of earned income including copies of their tax returns to verify compliance.
There are no limits whatsoever on the earnings for survivors and beneficiaries of a deceased retiree.
Most Viewed Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I have to contribute to the Cambridge Retirement System?
- Do you invest my money?
- What is the most I can get as a retirement allowance?
- If I leave employment, can I leave my money in the system?
- What is the procedure if I want to buy back previous service time?
- Will there be any change to may retirement allowance if my spouse dies?
- Who can make changes to my retirement information?
- What do I do if I change my bank account?
- Do I have to notify the Retirement Board if I move?
- What if I go to Florida in the winter, how will I get my 1099R in January?
- When will I receive my monthly retirement allowance?
- When I am ready to retire, what should I do?
- What is the process to apply for a refund?
- What Happens If I Go Part-Time?
- Which Option do Most People Take?
- How Does the 2012 Pension Reform Affect Me?
- Can I Work After Retirement?
- Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Retirement Allowance?
- How could I be affected by “anti-spiking” regulations?
- What should I know about naming a beneficiary?
- Is there a difference in life expectancy between public safety employees and civilians?
- What happens if I get a retroactive payment?