As a benefits-eligible MCPS employee, you are a member of either the Maryland State Teachers Pension plan or the MCPS Employees Pension system for your core benefit, depending on your job classification. The difference between the state and MCPS systems is administrative—both systems have similar features and provide retirement benefits. In addition, MCPS provides a supplemental retirement benefit to all eligible employees.
Enrollment in a pension system is a mandatory condition of your employment. You must complete enrollment forms for the state and MCPS pension systems, including the application for membership and beneficiary forms. You also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate or valid driver’s license at the time of enrollment.
Employees contribute 7 percent to the core benefit and an additional .5 percent to the supplemental benefit, for a total contribution of 7.5 percent of salary. Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis and will be deducted from paychecks from September through June.
More information about your pension plan, including the benefit calculation and retirement eligibility rules, is available in the Employee Benefit Summary (PDF) and in Understanding Your Retirement (PDF).
Visit the State Retirement Agency's website to learn more about your State Core benefit, provided by the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.
Visit our Retirement Planning page to learn more about retirement, including a detailed timeline to help you prepare for an upcoming retirement.