Employees Retirement System Of Rhode Island

Who Is Eligible For A Cola In 2022

Members of sixty-four municipal pension plans will receive a cost-of-living adjustment in 2022.All members of these 64 plans who retired before June 30, 2012 and were previously receiving or eligible for a COLA will receive a COLA beginning the month following their retirement date in 2022. for more information.

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Rules Of Elections To Employees Retirement Board

1.5.1Regular Elections

A.Date of Election.

1.Regular elections will be held in the January preceding theexpiration of the elected members term of office.

B.Notice of Election.

1.A notice of intent to hold elections to seat members of the stateemployees, teacher, municipal employee and retiree groups shall besent by regular mail to each member of the system by September 15thof the year preceding the election. Additional notices will be madeavailable for posting in various state and municipal agencies,schools, and related public offices. Each such mailing shall be madeto the last known address of the member, as provided by the membersemployer or the members data file at the retirement system.

C.Eligibility to Vote and Candidacy.

1.Each member, who is an active contributing member of theretirement system on the date of the notice of election, or who hasattained maximum service credit and no longer contributes, or who ison a leave of absence status without pay for up to one year, shall beeligible to vote for a candidate of his respective group or be acandidate. An official of a state employee union, municipal employeeunion, or teacher employee union may also be a candidate forelection.

2.Each retired member who is receiving a retirement benefit as ofthe date of notice of the election shall be eligible to vote for orbe a candidate for the retirees representative to the board.

D.Nomination Papers.

E.Ballots.

F.Distribution and Contents of Ballots.

G.Tabulation of Ballots.

Rules For Exceeding Theallowable Monetary Limits At A State College University Or Stateschool And State Operated Facility

A.Authority

This Regulation pertaining to post retirement employment is adoptedby the Employees Retirement Board pursuant to the statutoryauthority found in R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-8-3.

B.Definitions

Calendar year means January through December.

C.Rules for Exceeding the Allowable Monetary Limits at a StateCollege, University or State School and State Operated Facility

The purpose of this Regulation is to ensure consistent applicationof the Retirement Board laws and Rules governing post retirementemployment. Specifically, this Regulation provides the process andprocedures for determining when a retiree exceeds the statutoryearnings limitations and how the retirees pension benefit willbe affected pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 36-10-36, and , The provisions of § 1.17 of this Part shall beapplicable to all retired members of the Employees RetirementSystem of Rhode Island and Municipal Employees RetirementSystem who retired under the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters36-8 through 36-10, Chapter 16-16 and Chapters 45-21 and 45-21.2.

D.Procedure for Suspension of Pension Benefits and RecoupingOverpayments

1.Once the retired member reaches the monetary limit provided bylaw, the retired members pension benefit shall be suspended inthe following manner should they continue employment:

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What Is A Defined Contribution Plan

The Defined Contribution plan allows you to save money for your retirement in a tax-deferred account that is similar to a 401k plan. Both you and your employer contribute a percentage of your salary to your Defined Contribution plan. TIAA invests these funds on your behalf and as you instruct and when you retire, you are able to begin withdrawing these funds.

Rules Regarding The Operationand Administration Of Ri Gen Laws 36

A.Introduction

1.These Administrative Rules pertaining to the right of a retiredmember to revoke or modify their retirement option after retirementare promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-8-3. The Rulesshall be applicable to all changes requested pursuant to R.I. Gen.Laws §§ 36-10-19 and 45-21-30.

2.This Regulation does not apply to retired members who selected toreceive retirement benefits per the Maximum Plan or the SocialSecurity Option provisions or to members of either the JudicialRetirement Plan or the State Police Retirement Plan.

B.Definitions

1.Retired Member

A member of the Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island or theMunicipal Employees Retirement System whose application forretirement benefits has been approved by the Retirement Board.

C.Revocation/Modification of Retirement Option Selection

1.Only retired members who have selected to receive retirementbenefits pursuant to Option One or Option Two shall be entitled torevoke or modify their retirement option.

2.A retired member may exercise their right to revoke or modifytheir retirement option selection only one time. Additional requeststo revoke or modify an individuals retirement selection arenot permitted.

3.Retired members who are receiving retirement benefits per theMaximum Plan or the Social Security Option are not entitled to changetheir retirement option selection.

4.A retired member may revoke their selection of Option One orOption Two and select the Maximum Plan.

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Ersri Member Service Center

The ERSRI Member Service Center is here to help with all your retirement-related needs.

We encourage Members to call or email the Member Service Center for assistance or to schedule an appointment.

Please contact ERSRI by using our “Contact Us” page, or by phone at Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Resources On The Ersri Website

ERSRI.org is your source for the latest information from Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island, the states largest public employee retirement system.

The $10 billion retirement system works with state employees, teachers, the Municipal Employees Retirement System , MERS police and fire, correctional officers, Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals Nurses, state police, and judges.

Here, youll find the latest tools to help you plan for your retirement, calculate your benefits and eligibility, and understand how laws and regulations may affect you.

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Are You Planning To Retire Within The Next Year

If so, ERSRI offers individual retirement counseling sessions. During your counseling session, ERSRI will provide you with a benefit estimate and the required retirement forms. Please schedule your counseling session six to twelve months before retirement by calling ERSRI at .

Before your retirement counseling session, you may also want to download ERSRIs Retirement Planning Checklist to help you prepare for the year ahead.

This guide shows the steps to take as you plan for retirement.

Rules Concerning The Procurement Of Supplies

1.2.1General Provisions

A.Introduction.

1.The Employees Retirement System of the State of RhodeIsland and the Municipal Employees Retirement System of theState of Rhode Island is authorized toenter into contracts for the procurement of supplies and services.The purpose of these Rules is to create an equitable and efficientprocurement system.

B.Definitions.

1.The words defined in this subsection shall have the followingmeanings wherever they appear in these Rules, unless the context inwhich they are used clearly requires a different meaning.

a.Business means any corporation, partnership,individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture,or any other legal entity through which business is conducted.

b.Change order means a written order of the System ora vendor directing or allowing the vendor to make changes authorizedby the contract without the consent of the vendor or the System.

d.Contract modification means any written alterationin the specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery, contractperiod, price, quantity, or other contract provisions of any existingcontract, whether accomplished by unilateral action in accordancewith a contract provision, or by mutual action of the parties to thecontract. It shall include bilateral actions such as change orders,such as supplemental agreements, and unilateral actions,administrative changes, notices of termination, and notices of theexercise of a contract option.

C.Application of Rules.

D.Contracts.

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Retirement Contributions For Teacher Positions

A.Contributions to the retirement system may be made only fromcompensation as determined by R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 16-16-1 and36-8-1 and this regulation of the Employees’ Retirement System ofRhode Island .

B.This regulation hereby references R.I. Gen. Laws §§16-16-1 and 36-8-1 for applicable definitions.

C.The following types of payments are not subject to pensioncontributions:

1. Payment received for coaching or other activities or dutiesextending beyond the school day or year

2.Payment received for extra days worked before or beyond the schoolyear and not required by contract

3.Wages for a position that is less than ½ time

4.Except as otherwise enumerated in section E of this Part, stipendsfor temporary duties, extra duties, for participation in a programoccurring before or after the school day or school year, or forparticipation in a program that is not active for the duration of theentire school year.

5.Any extra or additional payments not specifically approved by theERSRI in writing are not subject to pension contributions. Requestsfor approval of extra or additional payments should be forwarded inwriting before the start of the school year to the Executive Directorof ERSRI.

D.If it is determined that contributions were made from paymentslisted in section C of this Part, such payments shall not beconsidered for final average salary. The contributions taken inerror shall be returned to the member without interest.

3.Payments for Teacher Mentor Coordinator plans

Rules Of Elections Toemployees Retirement Board

1.5.1Regular Elections

A.Date of Election

Regular elections will be held in the January preceding theexpiration of the elected members term of office.

B.Notice of Election

A notice of intent to hold elections to seat members of the Stateemployees, teacher, municipal employee and retiree groups shall besent by regular mail to each member of the system by September 15thof the year preceding the election. Additional notices will be madeavailable for posting in various State and municipal agencies,schools, and related public offices. Each such mailing shall be madeto the last known address of the member, as provided by the membersemployer or the members data file at the retirement system.

C.Eligibility to Vote and Candidacy

1.Each member, who is an active contributing member of theretirement system on the date of the notice of election, or who hasattained maximum service credit and no longer contributes, or who ison a leave of absence status without pay for up to one year,shall be eligible to vote for a candidate of his respective group orbe a candidate. An official of a State employee union, municipalemployee union, or teacher employee union may also be a candidate forelection.

2.Each retired member who is receiving a retirement benefit as ofthe date of notice of the election shall be eligible to vote for orbe a candidate for the retirees representative to the board.

D.Nomination Papers

E.Ballots

F.Distribution and Contents of Ballots

G.Tabulation of Ballots

K.Tie Votes

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Rules Regarding Ri Gen Laws 36

A.Introduction

1.This Administrative Rule pertaining to the definition ofaggravation is promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §36-8-3. The Rules shall be applicable to all applications fordisability pensions under R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 36-10-14 and16-16-16.

B.Definitions

1.Aggravation means an intervening work-related traumathat independently contributes to a members original injurythat amounts to more than the natural progression of the preexistingdisease or condition, and is not the result of age or length ofservice. The intervening independent trauma causing the aggravationmust be an identifiable event or series of work-related events thatare the proximate cause of the members present condition ofdisability.

2.Reinjury means a recurrence of the originalwork-related injury from a specific ascertainable event. The specificevent must be the proximate cause of the members presentcondition of disability.

Definitions For Use In Administration Of The Employeesretirement System Of The State Of Rhode Island And The Municipalemployees Retirement System Of The State Of Rhode Islandregarding Ri Gen Laws Chapter 45

A.Introduction

1.The Retirement Board of the Employees Retirement System ofthe State of Rhode Island and the Municipal EmployeesRetirement System of the State of Rhode Island, is vested withauthority to establish rules and regulations for the administrationand transaction of the business of the Retirement Systems, inconnection with its management of the various retirement and pensionplans that provide retirement, survivor and disability benefits forstate employees, public school teachers, and participating municipalemployees.

2.It is the intent of the Administrative Rules set forth herein toprovide uniform definitions for use by the Retirement Board inadministering and transacting the business of these RetirementSystems, and the various pension and retirement plans the Board isentrusted with managing.

3.Statutory References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 36-8-3 45-21-32, 45-21.2-1, et seq. and R.I. Gen. Laws §16-16-1, et seq.

B.Definitions

1.Police Official, Police Officer

a.For purposes of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 45-21.2, entitled OptionalRetirement for Members of Police Force and Fire Fighters, the termsPolice Official or Police Officer shallmean those employees who meet the following criteria:

Such employees must have successfully graduated from a recognizedpolice academy and

Such employees must maintain all of the qualifications requiredduring any period of employment in law enforcement in either amunicipal or state department and

2.Fire Fighter

3.Regular and Permanent

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Are You Planning To Retire Soon

Are you planning to retire within the next year? If so, ERSRI offers individual retirement counseling sessions. During your counseling session, ERSRI will provide you with a benefit estimate and the required retirement forms. You may also want to review ERSRI’s Retirement Planning Checklist.

Please schedule your counseling session six to twelve months before retirement by calling ERSRI at 401-462-7600.If you are planning to retire within 3 years, for more information and to submit your retirement counseling request.

Definitions For Use Inadministration Of The Employees Retirement System Of The Stateof Rhode Island And The Municipal Employees Retirement Systemof The State Of Rhode Island Regarding Ri Gen Laws Chapter45

A.Introduction

1.The Retirement Board of the Employees Retirement System ofthe State of Rhode Island and the Municipal EmployeesRetirement System of the State of Rhode Island, is vested withauthority to establish Rules and Regulations for the administrationand transaction of the business of the Retirement Systems, inconnection with its management of the various retirement and pensionplans that provide retirement, survivor and disability benefits forState employees, public school teachers, and participating municipalemployees.

2.It is the intent of the Administrative Rules set forth herein toprovide uniform definitions for use by the Retirement Board inadministering and transacting the business of these RetirementSystems, and the various pension and retirement plans the Board isentrusted with managing.

3.Statutory References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 36-8-3 45-21-32, 45-21.2-1, et seq. and R.I. Gen. Laws §16-16-1, et seq.

B.Definitions

1.Police Official, Police Officer

a.For purposes of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 45-21.2, entitled OptionalRetirement for Members of Police Force and Fire Fighters, the termsPolice official or Police officer shallmean those employees who meet the following criteria:

Such employees must have successfully graduated from a recognizedpolice academy and

Such employees must maintain all of the qualifications requiredduring any period of employment in law enforcement in either amunicipal or State department and

2.Fire Fighter

3.Regular and Permanent

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Rules Pertaining To The Application To Receive An Ordinary Oraccidental Disability Pension

A.Introduction

1.These Administrative Rules pertaining to the application toreceive an Ordinary or Accidental Disability Pension are promulgatedpursuant to Rhode Island General Laws § 36-8-3.The Rules shall be applicable to the adjudication of all OrdinaryDisability Pension applications received pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws§§ 36-10-12, 36-10-13, 16-16-14, 16-16-15, 45-21-19,45-21-20, 45-21.2-7 and 45-21.2-8, and all Accidental DisabilityPension applications received pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§36-10-14, 36-10-15, 16-16-16, 16-16-17, 45-21-21, 45-21-22, 45-21.2-9and 45-21.2-10.

2.This Regulation does not apply to members of the JudicialRetirement Plan or the State Police Retirement Plan.

B.Definitions

1.Active Member shall mean any employee of the Stateof Rhode Island for whom the Retirement System is currently receivingregular contributions pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 36-10-1and 36-10-1.1 or any employee of a participating municipality forwhom the Retirement System is currently receiving regularcontributions pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 45-21-41 and45-21-41.1 or any Police or Firefighter for whom the RetirementSystem is currently receiving regular contributions pursuant to R.I.Gen. Laws § 45-21.2-14 or any teacher for whom the RetirementSystem is currently receiving regular contributions pursuant to R.I.Gen. Laws §§ 16-16-22 and 16-16-22.1.

C.Requirements for Application and Disability Determination

D.Statutory Standard for Ordinary and Accidental Disability

Rules Regarding The Use Of Ri Gen Laws 36

A.Regulation Summary

1.In 1994, the Rhode Island General Assembly amended R.I. Gen. Laws§ 36-10-18 to allow members of the Employees Retirement Systemof Rhode Island toelect more than one beneficiary to be the recipient of a survivoroption under Rhode Island retirement law. The option to electmultiple beneficiaries is not available to state police, judicial,general municipal, or police & fire members of retirement plansadministered by ERSRI.

2.This regulation explains the procedure to be utilized by ERSRI indetermining the amount due each qualified beneficiary.

B.ERSRI Methodology on Multiple Beneficiaries Optional Annuity

1.§ 1.7 of this Part and all applicable R.I. Gen. Lawsstatutory rules shall be used in determining a membersoptional annuity.

2.Optional Annuity Multiple Beneficiary benefits will be determinedas follows:

a.The amount of the ex-members contributions shall be dividedby the number of multiple beneficiaries identified on the OptionalAnnuity Form in order to calculate an equal amount of returnof contributions to be due each multiple beneficiary.

b.The ex-members retirement benefit shall be calculatedaccording to the standard method for service retirement annuity . If the member on the date of his/her death was noteligible for retirement, the optional annuity shall be calculatedusing an actuarial adjustment determined by the number of years themember was below age or service requirements.

return of contributions or

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Rules Of Practice Andprocedure For Hearings In Contested Cases

A.Introduction

These Rules of Practice and Procedure are promulgated pursuant toR.I. Gen. Laws § 36-8-3. The Rules shall be in effect during anyhearing on a contested case before the Retirement Board or its dulyauthorized representatives.

B.Definitions

1.The definitions set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 36-8-1,45-21-2, 45-21.2-2 and 16-16-1, and as further set forth inRegulations promulgated by the Retirement Board, are specificallyincorporated by reference herein.

a.”Contested case” means a matter for which a memberrequests a hearing because they are aggrieved by an administrativeaction other than a Disability decision. The term shall apply tohearings conducted before Hearing Officers, and thereafter inproceedings before the full Retirement Board.

b.Party means any member, beneficiary, RetirementSystem, or such other person or organization deemed by the HearingOfficer to have standing.

c.Hearing officer means an individual appointed by theRetirement Board to hear and decide a contested case.

C.Request for Hearing and Appearance

1.Any member aggrieved by an administrative action other than aDisability decision, may request a hearing of such grievance. Uponsuch request, the matter will be deemed a contested case. Theprocedure for Disability decisions and appeals therefrom shall begoverned by the procedures set forth in § 1.9 of this Part,Rules Pertaining to the Application to Receive an Ordinary orAccidental Disability Pension.

a.Name of member

K.Requests for Rehearing