Looking for An Appointment for Yourself or a Group?

Are you looking for more information about retirement? You can schedule:

                                   -an individual appointment or
                                   -a group appointment (with 5 or more people)

with Kelly McCracken, Executive Director.  When booking the appointment, you have the option to meet in-person, via Zoom or by phone. 

If you have already had a retirement counseling session and are just looking for an updated estimate, please fax the Retirement Estimate Request Form to us at (508) 696-3847.  Make sure to sign the form!  Signatures must be clear and legible in order for us to send estimates.

1099-R Tax Forms Have Been Mailed:

On January 24, 2025, members and beneficiaries who receive a pension, retirement allowance, or survivor’s allowance from the Dukes County Retirement System were mailed a Form 1099R.  To change your Federal withholding please complete a new 2026 Form W-4P..  Please be aware that the retirement office is not able to provide specific tax advice.  For additional assistance, our benefit recipients are encouraged to contact a tax consultant.

Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 Update:

The Dukes County Retirement Board is excited to share the news that the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, which repeals both the Windfall Elimination and Government Offset Provisions, has been signed into law! We are THRILLED for our dedicated retirees who will now be able to receive their hard-earned Social Security benefits in full.

A LITTLE HISTORY ON THE TOPIC

In 1983, in an attempt to stabilize the Social security trust, two provisions (the WEP & GPO) were added to the Social Security Act that reduced the Social Security benefits of many retired public servants.

• The WEP impacted more than 2 million retirees nationwide and reduced the Social Security benefits for retired or disabled workers who had fewer than 30 years of substantial earnings from employment covered by Social Security if they also received public pensions.
• The GPO reduced the spousal or surviving spouse’s benefits of individuals who received pensions on the basis of non-covered employment. The GPO could reduce the Social Security benefit received by a surviving spouse who also collected a pension by up to two-thirds. It affected almost 800,000 beneficiaries.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR CURRENT & FUTURE RETIREES:

The repeal of the WEP & GPO means that there will no longer be a reduction (or offset) to Social Security benefits for people who are also collecting public pensions.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

For more information, please visit the Social Security Administration website here.

Wellness News

Would you like to focus on Wellness in the New Year?  Be Well MV is a wellness resource that is sponsored by the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group.  Their goal is to improve the overall health, well-being and quality of life of all CCMHG members by promoting the 8 Dimensions of Wellness as well as to create opportunities that empower, educate and model positive attitudes and behaviors through a lifelong commitment to wellness.  Check out their website to find out more about eligibility requirements and the great programs they offer.

Health Insurance Benefit Comparisons:

Member units* in the Dukes County Contributory Retirement System provide health insurance benefits to their eligible active employees and retirees through the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group (CCMHG). You can find information about insurance options available to active employees as well as retirees on their website.  Active members, members who are contemplating retirement, and current retirees should contact the Treasurer, Human Resources Office or Benefits Coordinator at their employing unit for information regarding post-retirement health benefits; enrollment, rates, eligibility requirements, and other plan information.