Benefit Guides

Benefit Explanations, Estimates, and Counseling

Full explanation and estimates of potential retirement benefits, procedures, and options are available from the Hampshire County Retirement Staff and may be obtained by calling (413) 584-9100.

The Hampshire County Retirement Board encourages members to request an estimate of potential benefits and upon receipt to make an appointment for you and your spouse to meet with a staff member to discuss the specifics of the estimate, explanation of potential benefits and options, and to obtain appropriate forms and guidance in filling out required forms.

Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Early evening appointments can be arranged upon request.

Since the passage of Chapter 176 of the Acts of 2011, there are two tiers of membership:

1. Those with a membership date prior to April 2, 2012
2. Those with a membership date on or after April 2, 2012

Although the basic formula for calculating your benefit is the same, the eligibility requirements are different between the two tiers and the age factor and average salary factors differ between the two tiers.

Basic Benefit Formula = Age Factor times Creditable Service times Average Salary = Annual Retirement Allowance

• Group/Age factors (% of salary for each year of service at specific ages at retirement);
• Creditable Service - Years of Full-Time Equivalent Service for which you performed services for your employer and received "Regular Compensation";
• Average high 3 or 5 year salary - average of Regular Compensation received in highest 36 (tier 1) or 60 (tier 2) consecutive months.

Members with effective membership date Prior to April 2, 2012. Click here for Retirement Guide

Members with effective membership date On or After April 2, 2012. Click here for Retirement Guide

Click here for Retirement Guides for Disability Retirement Benefits regardless of membership date.

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