If you are collecting an MSRS pension benefit and return to work in a position covered by an MSRS pension plan, you may be subject to an earnings limitation.  Once you reach the earnings limit, your monthly pension benefit will stop for the remainder of that calendar year.

You are not subject to an earnings limitation if you returned to work in a position with:

  • Private industry

  • Federal or local government

  • State government other than Minnesota

 

Important information to consider before seeking re-employment

  • If you return to work for the State of Minnesota, you must wait at least 30 days after your retirement date to be re-employed in an MSRS-covered position.

  • If you return to a position covered by an MSRS retirement plan, no retirement deductions will be taken from your salary.

  • Notify MSRS if you return to state employment and when you end that employment.
     

Re-employed retiree earnings limits

  • If you are under the age full retirement age for Social Security benefits, the calendar year maximum earnings limit is $22,320 for 2024.
     
  • If you reach full retirement age for Social Security benefits during the calendar year, the limit on earnings for the months prior to full retirement age is $59,520 for 2024.
     
  • Beginning the month you reach full retirement Social Security retirement age, there is no longer an earnings limit.

 

Social Security full retirement age

Year of Birth

Full Retirement Age

 1954 or before

 66

 1955

 66 & 2 months

 1956

 66 & 4 months

 1957

 66 & 6 months

 1958

 66 & 8 months

 1959

 66 &10 months

 1960 or later

 67

If you exceed the maximum earnings limits

If you are re-employed by the State of Minnesota and exceed the earnings limit, MSRS will stop your monthly benefit payment for the remainder of the calendar year (unless you terminate before that time). The suspended benefit payments will be held for you.

Monthly retirement benefits will resume at the beginning of the following calendar year. However, if you terminate state employment you may notify MSRS to resume your monthly retirement benefit prior to the beginning of the following calendar year.

After termination of re-employment, you may request that your suspended payments be paid to you or rolled to another qualified retirement plan. Payment will be made one year from the date the last benefit payment was withheld if you are under your full retirement age. If you are at or beyond full retirement age, you may request immediate reimbursement by contacting MSRS.