Michigan · MPSERS · Social Security

Social Security and your MPSERS pension

ORS treats Social Security as part of your retirement income, and offers one option built around it.

The sources do not state whether MPSERS members are covered by Social Security. They do describe the equated option, which coordinates the pension with an estimated age-62 Social Security benefit, and tell members to get a Social Security estimate. Planning Your Retirement (R0613C, 5/26), pp. 14-15 (Social Security listed as an income source), pp. 20-21 (equated plan); MCL 38.1385(2)

Not settled in the sources Check with MPSERS

The ORS sources we have don't say outright whether MPSERS jobs are covered by Social Security.

We don't estimate Social Security. Check your own Social Security statement.

No saved source says whether MPSERS members are covered; R0613C (Rev. 5/26) pp. 14-15 lists Social Security as an income source and the equated plan assumes a Social Security benefit.

The equated plan

Coordinates with Social Security: a higher pension until 62, then permanently reduced. The pre-62 amount approximates the post-62 pension plus the estimated age-62 Social Security benefit. Not available if 61 or older at retirement or for a disability retirement. Can be combined with a survivor option. Planning Your Retirement (R0613C, 5/26), pp. 20-21, Equated plan; MCL 38.1385(2); Retirement Readiness (Dec. 2017, dated), pp. 32-33

ORS example

Before 62: $1,570 pension + $551 advance = $2,121.

From 62: $588 pension + $1,533 Social Security = $2,121.

Planning Your Retirement (R0613C, 5/26), p. 21, Equated pension reduction example

Month after the 62nd birthday (the month of the birthday if it falls on the 1st or 2nd). Planning Your Retirement (R0613C, 5/26), pp. 20-21, Equated plan; MCL 38.1385(2); Retirement Readiness (Dec. 2017, dated), pp. 32-33

What the sources say little about

The ORS booklets we use say little else about Social Security, so this page stays short. They don't explain federal rules on how a public pension affects Social Security, and we don't estimate your Social Security benefit. For the equated plan in dollars, see Payment options; for the rest of your pension, see the pension formula or taxes on your pension.

What the sources say

Questions

Do Michigan school employees get Social Security?

The ORS booklets we use don't say outright. They list Social Security as one of your retirement income sources and offer the equated plan, which assumes you'll get a Social Security benefit at 62. Check your own record with the Social Security Administration.

What is the MPSERS equated plan?

Coordinates with Social Security: a higher pension until 62, then permanently reduced. The pre-62 amount approximates the post-62 pension plus the estimated age-62 Social Security benefit. Not available if 61 or older at retirement or for a disability retirement. Can be combined with a survivor option.

Unofficial guide. Not affiliated with MPSERS, the Office of Retirement Services or the Social Security Administration.

Source: Planning Your Retirement (R0613C), Michigan Office of Retirement Services, Rev. 5/26, pp. 14, 14-15, 20, 20-21, 21. Michigan law, 1980 PA 300: MCL 38.1385. Retirement Readiness (R0613C), Dec. 2017 (dated), pp. 32-33. Last reviewed .