Human Resources & EO

Buyback of Former State Service

If you were employed by a city, county, state, or governmental unit in Massachusetts prior to entering (or re-entering) active service with the state, you may be eligible to purchase credit for service rendered on at least a half-time basis even if you were not a member of a contributory retirement system during that time. This service can be transferred and count towards your years of creditable service under the State Employee’s Retirement System.  Remember only "active" employees can buyback former service so you need to do this well in advance of retirement.

If you worked and paid into any of the state retirement plans in any former position in Massachusetts and took a refund when you left your former position, you may want to "buy back" this former service in order to become "vested" for retirement purposes in the State Employees' Retirement System or if you are already vested to increase the number of years of state employment which will improve the amount you will receive in your pension at retirement.

Please read the enclosed article "Buying Back Former Service in the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS)". Complete the Buy-Back Request form to purchase former service.

If you have a 403(b) or a 457(b) supplemental retirement plan you can use these funds to "buy back" your former service. The State Retirement Board will provide you with a cost of buying back this former service. For additional information contact the State Employees' Retirement Board's Buy Back Unit at 617.367.7770 ext. 357 or 321.