Working After Retirement

Working at a PSRS-covered employer after retirement can be beneficial. However, some work is subject to limits. If you exceed a limit that applies to you, it will affect the payment of your retirement benefits. This website contains general information about working after retirement limits. However, when your employer reports to us that you are working after retirement, we will send you personalized information about your limits.

Work limits apply to those working:

  • Directly for a PSRS-covered employer (includes K-12 school districts and community colleges)
  • For a third-party provider or as independent contractor in positions that require a DESE-issued certificate while performing duties at PSRS-covered employers

The work limits vary depending on your employer and, in some cases, whether the position in which you work as a retiree requires you to have a DESE-issued certificate.

If you are a PSRS disability retiree under age 60, visit our Disability Retirement page for the guidelines that apply to you.

To continue to receive your monthly retirement benefits while working at a PSRS-covered employer, you must:

If you don't follow these rules, you will be required to reimburse PSRS for all retirement benefits paid while ineligible, including funds in a PLSO distribution, and pay contributions that would have been required.

Substitute Teaching Work Limit Waiver

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Through June 2025, work limits are temporarily waived for work performed as a substitute teacher.

Determining Your Work Limits

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The work limits that apply will vary depending on your employer and, in some cases, whether the position in which you work as a retiree requires you to have a DESE-issued certificate.

Record-Keeping Requirements

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All PSRS retirees who are subject to working after retirement limits are required to maintain a Working After Retirement Record form tracking their work each month.

Critical Shortage Employment

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Critical Shortage Employment is a legal provision that allows PSRS retirees to return to work for covered employers while continuing to receive monthly retirement benefits.

Exceeding a Limit

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If you exceed a limit, any work in the position or positions subject to the limit that was exceeded must stop in order for your benefits to resume.

Termination of Employment

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Failure to properly terminate your employment at retirement can cause you to be ineligible for benefits. Be careful not to jeopardize your benefits when returning to work as a retiree.

Volunteering

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If you work as a retiree and also volunteer for the same PSRS-covered employer, the hours spent volunteering may count toward your annual limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about working after retirement.