Lawrence Retirement Board
Proudly Serving the Municipal
Employees and Retirees of the
City of Lawrence
We are located at Riverwalk
354 Merrimack St. - Entry C - 3rd Fl
Lawrence, MA 01843
​
Phone - 978 620-3570
Email: grizzo@cityoflawrence.com​
​
Hours - Monday-Thursday 7:00-3:00
Friday 7:00-12:00
​
​
​
​
Welcome
​
The City of Lawrence Retirement Board Members and Office Staff are ready to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your retirement system. As always we would like to encourage our members and retirees to contact the office with any questions or concerns that may arise. This web site was created so that our members and retirees would have yet another tool to find information regarding their municipal pension. We hope you find our site informative and easy to navigate. We are happy to have you as a visitor and encourage you to come back often!
​
This information is not intended as a substitute for the Massachusetts General Laws nor will its interpretation prevail should a conflict arise between its contents and MGL Chapter 32. Rules governing retirement benefits are subject to change periodically either by statute of the Massachusetts Legislature or by regulation of the Lawrence Retirement Board.
Our Board is governed by the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, PERAC. Their mission is to provide regulatory oversight and guidance for the effective, equitable, and ethical operation of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ public pension systems.
* Alerts: Special Hours:
Holiday Hours:
Closed - Patriots Day, Monday April 20th, 2026
Closed - Memorial Day, Monday May 25th, 2026
Closed - Juneteenth, Friday, June 19th, 2026
Closed - 4th of July, Friday, July 3rd, 2026
Events & Updates
All monthly meetings are held in our conference room located at 354 Merrimack St., Entry C, 3rd Floor, Lawrence Ma 01843
Current Agenda
Upcoming Board Meetings:
​
Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m.
Attention Active Members:
Notice for all retirement active members who qualify as a veteran
​
​
Attention Retirees:
Effective 1/1/2025, we will no longer be mailing direct deposit memorandums each month. You will be able to sign up for our portal to access your monthly payment info. Please see tab above titled "MY PORTAL". You will still receive a stub via mail if there is a change made to your account. Examples: When you receive a COLA in July and if your health insurance changes.
​
​
Bi-Annual verifications for pensions paid in 2026 will be sent out the first week of January, 2027 - Please note, you will have two option for return. Either have your verification notarized or bring it in person, with an ID for us to verify. Failure to return your form will result in your pension being stopped.
Cost of Living Increase (COLA)
Please note: if you retired prior to June 30th, 2025 you will see an increase in your July 31st, 2026, pension check. The cost of living was granted at a rate of 3% on the first $14,000 of earnings. Maximum COLA is $35 per month.
​
​
Exciting News: Information on the Repeal of the Social Security Windfall Act (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) CLICK HERE
The Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC) open enrollment will be April 1 - May 1, 2026 for changes effective July 1, 2026.
As a GIC member, Annual Enrollment is your opportunity to review benefit options and better understand the upcoming plan year changes to make coverage updates for benefits effective July 1, 2026.
​
Annual Open Enrollment is almost here! This is your once-a-year opportunity to review and make changes to your health and dental coverage.
Open Enrollment Period: April 1 – May 1, 2026
Effective Date of Changes: July 1, 2026
The City participates in the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC), which offers a variety of health insurance options. Annual Enrollment for both health insurance (GIC) and dental insurance will run from April 1 through May 1, 2026.
Please note that we have not yet received the FY27 premium rates.
No Changes?
If you are satisfied with your current health and dental coverage and do not wish to make any changes, no action is required. Your current elections will automatically continue into FY2027.
Making Changes:
Any changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect July 1, 2026. Please remember that premium deductions are taken one (1) month in advance (June 2026 payroll for July coverage).
We strongly encourage retirees to complete enrollment changes online through the GIC’s member portal:
MyGICLink Member Benefits Portal:
Visit: bit.ly/mygiclink
-
Enter your email address and date of birth.
-
Select your GIC form(s).
-
Click “Request.”
-
Check your email for the requested form(s).
-
Follow the instructions to complete and submit.
-
Watch for a confirmation email of receipt.
If GIC has your email address on file, you may access and submit your enrollment forms electronically through MyGICLink.
Paper Forms (If Necessary)
If you prefer to complete a hard copy form, please mail or deliver it to:
Dawna Mackland-Rivera
Personnel Benefits Coordinator
200 Common Street, Room 303
Lawrence, MA 01841
Forms may also be hand-delivered to Room 303 at City Hall.
This year, Dawna will also hold office hours at the Senior Center (155 Haverhill Street) on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, we strongly encourage use of the online submission process, as it is faster, easier, and more reliable.
Important Deadline
All forms must be received on or before May 1, 2026. Failure to submit required forms by the deadline will prevent you (and/or your eligible dependents) from enrolling in health insurance through the GIC and/or dental insurance through Altus Dental for FY2027.
If you have any questions, please contact our Benefits Coordinator, Dawna Mackland-Rivera.
Dmackland-rivera@cityoflawrence.com 978-620-3065.
​
2025-2026 Benefit Guide Altus Dental
​
Cost of Living Increase (COLA) Base Increase
​
Update: 10/4/22 - We are happy to announce that the Lawrence City Council unanimously approved the boards recommendation to increase the COLA base from 12K to 14K effective July 2023.
​
​
The City of Lawrence Retirement Board Members and Office Staff are always on hand and ready to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your retirement system. As always we would like to encourage our members and retirees to contact the office with any questions or concerns that may arise.
Our board fund is currently managed by the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board - PRIM
BACK TO TOP