Worcester Retirement System – Worcester, MA

Worcester Retirement System in Worcester, MA

Pension Administration

The Worcester Retirement System (WRS) manages the contributory defined benefit retirement plan for eligible public employees of the City of Worcester. Operating under M.G.L. Chapter 32, this agency ensures that municipal workers, including police officers, firefighters, and civil servants, receive their statutory pension benefits upon retirement. The system is overseen by a five-member Retirement Board, which meets monthly to approve retirements, manage investments, and review disability applications. The board includes the City Auditor, elected members, and appointees who act as fiduciaries for the system’s members and beneficiaries.

Member Services

• Benefit Calculations: Assisting members with estimating their future retirement allowances based on age, service history, and group classification.
• Disability Retirement: Processing applications for accidental and ordinary disability retirements for members unable to perform their duties.
• Survivor Benefits: Administering payments to eligible beneficiaries and survivors of deceased members.
• Refunds and Transfers: Managing the return of accumulated deductions for members leaving city service or transferring to another Massachusetts public retirement system.

Operational Details

The Retirement Board office is located in Room 103 of Worcester City Hall. Members wishing to discuss their benefits are encouraged to schedule an appointment to ensure a staff member is available to review their specific file. As the office is within City Hall, all visitors are subject to building security protocols, including screening at the Main Street entrance. The office provides counseling on retirement options, “buyback” of creditable service, and compliance with state regulations set by the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC).