BY RENEE GARCIA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH
Returning to Work After Retirement: What You Need to Know
Enjoying retirement, but thinking about stepping back into the workforce? If you plan to return to work for an ERB-covered employer while continuing to receive your pension benefit, you can do so through one of our three Return to Work (RTW) programs.
Choosing the Right RTW Program
Each program has specific criteria, limits, and contribution rules. Review the options below to find the fit that matches your plans:
Key Rules and Responsibilities
To keep your pension benefit fully protected, make sure you follow these core guidelines:
- Apply and get approved first: You must submit a RTW application and receive ERB approval before you begin working. You will need to provide a copy of your approved
application to your employer. - Observe the 90-day layout period: If your chosen program requires a 90-day layout, you cannot perform any work (including substitute teaching or part-time work) for an ERB employer during those 90 days.
- Track your own limits: Because employer payroll data is reported to ERB in arrears, you are responsible for monitoring your own hours, earnings, or months used. Exceeding your limit can jeopardize your retirement benefit.
- One program per fiscal year: You may only participate in one RTW program at a time per fiscal year. If you reach the limit of your program, you must stop working and wait until the next fiscal year to apply for a different program.
- 60-month lifetime cap: Once you exhaust the 60-month program, you cannot participate in that specific plan again in the future.
Ready to get started? Visit our website to download the RTW Application or contact our member services team if you have questions about your eligibility.