Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

I am a member of the Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island. I am going through a divorce. Why are my retirement benefits an issue in my divorce?

Your pension from the Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI) and TIAA-CREF is considered marital property subject to valuation and equitable distribution in a divorce.

Can an employer hire or re-hire a retired employee?

Yes, but post-retirement employment with the state of Rhode Island, Rhode Island public schools or any Rhode Island municipality participating in MERS is subject to restriction in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws. Generally, employment may begin no earlier than 45 calendar days after an employee retirees, and a retiree cannot go back to work for the state of Rhode Island without suspension of his or her pension benefit. The following rules also apply to post-retirement employment:

  • ERSRI or MERS retirees may work for a participating municipality for no more than 75 working days or 150 half-days in a calendar year. Learn more here.
  • ERSRI or MERS retirees may be employed by a state college, university or state school for the purpose of providing classroom instruction, academic advising of students and/or coaching. Gross wages may not exceed $18,000 in any one calendar year.

No additional contributions will be taken and no additional service credits will be granted for post-retirement employment.
Employers are legally obligated to send notice of employment monthly to ERSRI. This notice must be signed by both the employer and the retired employee. Download the post-retirement employment notification form below.

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Form or download title

Description of the form and what it is used for

I am going through a divorce. How do I get information regarding my pension value?

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What information will be provided to me?

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Can my former spouse begin collecting the benefit before I have retired?

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Will I get my pension check on time?

Yes. Retiree pension payments will run as regularly scheduled on the last business day of the month. The system upgrade will not impact monthly pension payroll.