Retirement 

The Town of Southbridge requires employees who work 20 hours a week or more to participate in the Southbridge Retirement System. The deduction rate for most employees will be 9% of gross earnings with an additional 2% on anything in excess of $30,000.  

As an employee paying in to Southbridge Retirement System, you may have questions about your membership and future retirement. Below you will find guides and forms that apply to active employees.

Retirement Resources For Active Employees

Southbridge Retirement System Important Links

Retirement Counseling is available by appointment.  To schedule an appointment email Yolanda Alvarado, Southbridge Retirement Administrator. 

Voluntary Deferred Compensation 457 Plan

The town offers deferred compensation plans (457 plan) through Great West Retirement Services. As of July 1, 2008, new enrollees can have contributions to The Smart Plan deducted from their paycheck on a pretax basis.  Employees enrolled in the deferred compensation plan prior to July 1, 2008 had the opportunity to contribute to the Great West Plan or to change their contributions and transfer their funds to the Smart Plan.  For questions or to enroll contact Noor El Gaderi, HR Specialist/Benefit Coordinator. 

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act OBRA

Participation

As a part-time, seasonal or temporary employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or a Massachusetts local government employer, you are required to participate in the OBRA plan. The OBRA plan is an alternative to Social Security as permitted by the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. OBRA, passed by the U.S. Congress, requires that beginning July 1, 1991, employees not eligible to participate in their employer's retirement program be placed in Social Security or another program meeting federal requirements. The OBRA Plan meets those federal requirements. All participants classified as OBRA must make a mandatory contribution equal to 7.5% of their gross compensation per pay period.