The short version
- No Social Security tax comes out of your MTRS-covered pay.
- Your MTRS years earn no Social Security credits.
- Social Security credits can only come from other work, not your MTRS teaching.
- If you were hired on or after April 1, 1986, you pay Medicare tax, which can qualify you for Medicare.
- Massachusetts is a 'non-Social Security' state for public employees. You pay into MTRS instead of Social Security and earn no Social Security credits for your MTRS service.MTRS web page 'Social Security'; Ready for Retirement 2026 p. 9
- MTRS notes that the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed January 5, 2025, and refers questions to the Social Security Administration. Contact SSA three months before you retire or turn 65, whichever comes first.MTRS web page 'Social Security'
- If you go back to work in a Massachusetts public school after retiring, you are a 'rehired annuitant' under IRS rules: no Social Security and no MTRS contributions are taken from that pay.MTRS web page 'Working after retirement', FAQ 'Will I be subject to Social Security deductions?'
- Medicare Part A generally starts at 65 if you will get Social Security, are married to someone who will, or were hired by a public employer on or after April 1, 1986 and paid the 1.45% Medicare tax for the required period (usually 10 years). If you don't qualify, your health coverage stays with your local employer.MTRS web page 'Health insurance', Medicare
- If you don't sign up for Medicare Part B when you're first eligible, you may owe a substantial late-enrollment penalty. MTRS says to check your Medicare eligibility at least three months before your 65th birthday.Ready for Retirement 2026 p. 9
In MTRS's words
Massachusetts is one of a handful of 'non-Social Security' states: MTRS members pay into MTRS instead of Social Security and earn no Social Security credits for MTRS service. MTRS notes that the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed January 5, 2025, and refers questions about Social Security benefits to the Social Security Administration; contact SSA three months before retirement or age 65, whichever comes first. MTRS web page 'Social Security'; Ready for Retirement 2026, p. 9
Medicare
If hired by a Massachusetts public employer on or after April 1, 1986 you pay the 1.45% Medicare tax; it earns no Social Security credits but gives Medicare at 65 after 10 years. Ready for Retirement 2026, p. 9 See Retiree health.
Working after you retire
Rehired retirees are not subject to Social Security or MTRS contribution deductions (IRS 'rehired annuitant'). MTRS web page 'Working after retirement', FAQ 'Will I be subject to Social Security deductions?'
Who to ask
MTRS doesn't decide Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration does, so ask SSA about your own record and any other work you've done. MTRS suggests contacting SSA three months before you retire or turn 65, whichever comes first. MTRS web page 'Social Security'; Ready for Retirement 2026, p. 9
Your MTRS pension is your main retirement income from teaching. See what it would pay in the calculator.
Questions
Do Massachusetts teachers pay into Social Security?
Not for their MTRS work. MTRS members pay into MTRS instead of Social Security and earn no Social Security credits for MTRS service.
Do Massachusetts teachers pay Medicare tax?
If hired by a Massachusetts public employer on or after April 1, 1986 you pay the 1.45% Medicare tax; it earns no Social Security credits but gives Medicare at 65 after 10 years.
If I go back to teaching after I retire, is Social Security taken out?
No. A retired teacher rehired by a Massachusetts public school is a rehired annuitant under IRS rules, so neither Social Security nor MTRS contributions are deducted.
When should I contact Social Security?
MTRS says to contact the Social Security Administration three months before you retire or three months before you turn 65, whichever comes first.
Source: MTRS Ready for Retirement reference guide, 2026, p. 9. Also: MTRS web pages 'Social Security', 'Working after retirement', 'Health insurance'. Last reviewed .