Retirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have questions about the Retirement System. How do I get information?
A. Whether you are an employee who is considering joining the System, an employee who is a member, or a retiree or beneficiary receiving a monthly retirement allowance, you can call one of the following telephone numbers: 410-887-8246 or 1-877-222-3741 (toll free) during office hours or leave a message on voice mail (after hours) at 410-887-3132. You may also e-mail us at ers@baltimorecountymd.gov or stop by the office in person at 400 Washington Avenue, Room, 169, Towson, Maryland. Staff members are available to personally assist you. Since most of our forms must be notarized, we will also provide this service to you.
Q. Will I get regular statements of my retirement account?
A. Active members will receive an annual member statement which will provide information including account balances and beneficiary information. Retired members and beneficiaries receiving monthly benefit allowances will receive pay stubs each month detailing their benefit payment and deductions.
Q. I am considering retirement. How should I begin to plan?
A. You may want to attend one of the semi-annual Pre-Retirement Seminars sponsored by the Division of Training, Office of Human Resources. These seminars are listed in the Spring and Fall Training Opportunities Catalogs that are distributed with paychecks twice a year. There will be speakers from many different offices, including Retirement, Insurance, Deferred Compensation, Social Security, The Credit Union, and others. For more information on the seminars, please call the Training Division at 410-887-3564.
To receive an estimate of your projected monthly retirement allowance, call the Retirement office about two months in advance of your projected retirement date. We can also answer any other questions you have at that time.
Q. I am ready to retire. How do I initiate the process?
A. When you are ready to retire, you should call to schedule an appointment with one of our Benefit Specialists. At that time, you will elect how you want to receive your monthly benefit and you will receive information about taxes, insurance, deductions, and direct deposit.
Q. Once I retire, when will I be paid?
A. Checks and direct deposits are always dated and payable on the last banking day of each month. To find out the current month's pay date, call 410-887-3132 and select option 1 from the menu or look for the check messages printed on each month's pay stubs for future pay dates and other important information.
Q. I am interested in starting direct deposit of my monthly retirement benefit. Who do I need to contact?
A. Call the Retirement Office at one of the numbers listed above for a direct deposit application and information about direct deposit (direct deposit is available nationwide). Your money is guaranteed to be in your account on the last banking day of each month. You will receive a pay stub in the mail with the same information that is currently on your check stub. For direct deposit at the Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union, you must apply in person at the Credit Union and they will forward the form to us. Your direct deposit will begin the 2nd month after your direct deposit form is received.
Q. I have a question about my insurance benefits as a retiree/beneficiary. Should I call Retirement?
A. No. Your former employer administers insurance benefits. Please call the appropriate number below:
- Baltimore County Government 410-887-2568 or 1-800-274-4302 (TOLL FREE)
- Board of Education 410-887-4142
- Community Colleges 410-869-7133
- Revenue Authority 410-887-3127
- Library 410-887-6177
Q. How can I keep up to date on issues affecting retirees?
A. You can contact your Union, if applicable, or The Retirees Association of Baltimore County at 410-823-6909. You should also check your monthly pay stub for important information.
Q. Do retirees receive cost of living increases?
A. Yes, provided there is sufficient excess earnings in the Post-Retirement Increase Fund. Cost of living increases are granted on July 1 (pay date July 31) of each year for ERS retirees and beneficiaries of ERS retirees who have been retired for at least 12 months as of July 1. Cost of living increases range from 1 to 4 percent and are usually determined by April of each year. The consumer price index (CPI) is one of the factors used to determine the annual cost of living increase. As soon as the cost of living increase is determined, a check message will notify you of the increase.
Q. When does the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System meet?
A. The second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. in the Executive Conference Room, Old Courthouse, Towson, Maryland 21204.
Revised August 25, 2008
Courthouse 