Starting off:

• You should start your retirement planning two years before your intended retirement date. It is highly recommended that you initiate a Request for Creditable Service Estimate to be completed by the MTRS. This is a deep-dive into your earnings and deductions which will result in a Creditable Service Estimate letting you know how many years you have with the retirement board. It can also help you identify any gaps in service that could be bought back for additional time.  
  
  
  • You can access the form you need here: Request for Creditable Service Estimate
    
    
• Buybacks - the application should be completed by the school district in which the eligible service was rendered. 
  • Common types of eligible service: long-term or day-to-day subbing, tutoring, part-time teaching service, or any full-time teaching service that did not have deductions withheld (usually due to a mandatory wait period).
  • Buybacks are completed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, exceptions are made for individuals who are retiring within the school year. Due to the number of applicants received annually, it can take up to 12 months to fully research and complete the application. 
  • The buyback application can be accessed here: MTRS Buyback Application

• Once you have determined your date of retirement please notify the Retirement Team, your principal, and Human Resources as soon as possible. You can send your notification via email. 
  
  
• You are eligible to maintain health and dental benefits through retirement. To arrange this you will need to reach out to Human Resources at City Hall, their phone number is (978) 674-4105. This can be done 1 - 2 months before your retirement date. 
  
  

Retirement Application

• The MTRS Retirement Application is available here: MTRS Retirement Application
  
  
• Part One (pages 1 – 10) along with Section 1 in Part Two must be completed by you.
  
  
• Please submit Part Two of the application to Human Resources along with the Service Verification Questionnaire. This questionnaire will assist the Payroll Department in accurately calculating your service and compensation.
  
  
• Please be sure to submit the application to Central Office as soon as possible to ensure you have the most time available to you to complete the process.
  
  

Application Submission

• You are responsible for submitting the original “wet signature” application to MTRS along with any required supporting documentation (ie: Employment Contract, etc.). The original application should be submitted 4 months before your intended retirement date.
  
  • You will receive copies of the employment contracts with your completed application.

• Once the MTRS completes processing your application, you will receive an estimate of your benefit amount. 
  
  

Helpful Hints

Initial contact along with questions and comments within the LPS system should always be directed to the Retirement Team at retirementmail@lowell.k12.ma.us to ensure delivery.