What does this mean for employees with optional MainePERS membership?

• The membership status of someone who was an employee or former employee on July 12, 2010, is the status of that individual for all current and future periods of employment in an optional membership position with the same employer.  

• After July 12, 2010, new employees make a one-time membership election when hired or first eligible.  This is a one-time, irrevocable choice for all current and future employment in any optional membership position with that employer.

• Employees who do not join MainePERS at time of hire or first eligibility can only join in an optional membership position later if they change employers.

• Employees who join MainePERS’ defined benefit plan are not eligible to withdraw their contributions or stop participating unless they terminate employment.

What must Employers do and by when?

In order to ensure that all employees make an informed election, and to prevent future claims against employers, every employee with optional membership must complete a membership application electing to join/not to join MainePERS on their date of hire or date of eligibility. Forward the completed membership application to MainePERS before you submit your next payroll report to MainePERS.

After July 12, 2010, you should not use the “Employee Action Required” form.  A Membership Application is the only valid form for this election.

How MainePERS can help:

• Staff is available to meet with you, or your employees, about the benefits of joining MainePERS. Contact Retirement Services at 1-800-451-9800 or e-mail Retirement.Services@mainepers.org.

• See the dedicated One Time Election web pages for employees and employers.  These pages contain more detailed information, including an FAQ section.

• MainePERS can mail a supply of membership applications at the employer's request.