Information for Retirees

Welcome. This section covers what you need to know as a retiree drawing a benefit from the Eldridge Bay Retirement System.

Quick links

Member Portal — sign in to update your direct deposit, tax withholding, mailing address, and view 1099-R statements
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) — annual COLA process and history
Working After Retirement — limits on post-retirement earnings under MGL Ch. 32 § 91
Social Security and Public Pensions — what the 2025 Social Security Fairness Act means for Massachusetts retirees
Retiree Health Insurance and the GIC — health coverage in retirement
Taxation of Pension Benefits — Massachusetts and federal tax treatment

Payment schedule

Retirement benefits are paid monthly. [REPLACE: confirm the board's specific payment schedule — e.g., "on the last business day of the month" or "on the first of the month for the prior month".]

Direct deposit and 1099-R

We strongly recommend direct deposit for retirement payments — it's faster, safer, and avoids the delays that come with mailed checks. Manage your direct deposit through the Member Portal or contact our office.

Your 1099-R for the prior tax year is mailed in late January and is also available in the Member Portal.

Annual COLA process

Each year the board votes on a cost-of-living adjustment under MGL Ch. 32 § 103. The COLA percentage and base — and the effective date — are posted on the COLA page along with a year-by-year history.

Reporting a death

Please notify our office promptly if a retiree passes away. We can be reached at or . We will process Option B/C survivor benefits where applicable and provide instructions for any final payment reconciliation.