Understanding Your Massachusetts Retirement Group
Understanding your Massachusetts Retirement Group is crucial for planning your public service career and retirement. The Massachusetts Retirement System classifies all public employees into four distinct groups, each with specific eligibility requirements, minimum retirement ages, and benefit calculations. Use our retirement income calculator to see exactly how your group affects your benefits.
Group 1: General Employees
Group 1 includes most Massachusetts public employees, including teachers, municipal workers, and state employees in non-hazardous positions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum retirement age: 60
- Minimum service requirement: 10 years
- Full benefits available at age 65 with 10 years of service
Benefit Calculation
- Benefit percentage increases from 2.0% at age 60 to 2.5% at age 65
- Maximum benefit cap: 80% of average salary
Group 2: Hazardous Duty Employees
Group 2 covers probation officers, court officers, and certain other positions involving public safety.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum retirement age: 55
- Minimum service requirement: 10 years
- Full benefits available at age 60 with 10 years of service
Benefit Calculation
- Benefit percentage increases from 2.0% at age 55 to 2.5% at age 60
- Maximum benefit cap: 80% of average salary
Group 3: Massachusetts State Police ONLY
IMPORTANT: Group 3 is EXCLUSIVELY for Massachusetts State Police (MSP) members. Municipal police, sheriff's deputies, campus police, and MBTA police are NOT in Group 3—they are in Group 4.
Eligibility Requirements
- No minimum retirement age with 20+ years of service (unique among all groups)
- Mandatory retirement at age 65
- Special provisions for disability retirement
Benefit Calculation
- Flat 2.5% benefit percentage regardless of age—the maximum multiplier in the MA system
- Maximum benefit cap: 80% of average salary
- Unlike other groups, MSP members get the maximum 2.5% multiplier at ANY retirement age
Group 4: Municipal Police, Firefighters, and Corrections
Group 4 includes municipal/local police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, and other public safety personnel. Note: This is where most law enforcement belongs—NOT Group 3.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum retirement age: 50
- Minimum service requirement: 10 years
- Full benefits available at age 55 with 10 years of service
Benefit Calculation
- Benefit percentage increases from 2.0% at age 50 to 2.5% at age 55
- Maximum benefit cap: 80% of average salary
Planning Your Massachusetts Retirement
Understanding your group classification helps you:
- Plan your retirement timeline
- Maximize your benefit percentage
- Make informed career decisions
- Understand your pension options (A, B, and C)
For personalized calculations and planning, use our free benefit estimate tool. Also learn about how COLA affects your retirement benefits.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. For official benefit calculations, consult the Massachusetts Retirement Board.
