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Public Employee Retirement
In reality there is not a single public retirement system. Massachusetts has over one hundred individual systems. Each system is its own mini fiefdom with considerable responsibilities and powers. A five-member board comprised of appointed and elected members runs each system. These board members are fiduciaries of the system and are responsible for making determinations on member’s eligibility for benefits. This multi system retirement plan is unique to Massachusetts, representing the early creation of the plan and the strong autonomy of the cities and towns in the state. The individual systems are overseen by a state agency, the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC). Employees aggrieved by unfavorable decisions can appeal to the Contributory Retirement Appeals Board (CRAB).
The public employee retirement law covers all full time and many part time Massachusetts government employees. The public retirement plan is an especially important benefit for government workers. Since Massachusetts government employees do not contribute to Social Security, the retirement plan represents a major asset in retirement.
Unlike many private retirement plans, it is not neatly spelled out in a small plan document. The body of retirement law is comprised of hundreds of pages of statute, hundreds of regulations and literally thousands of administrative and judicial decisions. Unfortunately, for the attorney who dabbles in this area, tackling the public retirement law can be a complex and confusing endeavor. It is therefore important to retain a lawyer who is experienced in this complex area of law. Attorney Simoneau is well versed in Massachusetts public employee retirement law and procedure. He often assists public safety employees who are seeking disability retirements.
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