Important Reminder: Break in Service Required for Retirement Benefits
In response to a number of questions we’ve received recently, we thought we’d highlight the “Break in Service” rule.
In order to have a right to receive your retirement benefit from SPTRFA, Minnesota law requires a “complete and continuous separation for 90 days from employment in any form with Independent School District No. 625.” Importantly, “employment” for this purpose includes “service provided to the school district as an independent contractor or as an employee of an independent contractor.”
Under this rule, for example, employment with Teachers on Call for service as a substitute teacher in District 625 within 90 days of your final date of employment with District 625 would result in a failure of the Break in Service rule.
Please be advised that Minnesota law requires the SPTRFA to recover, with interest, amounts received by a member who fails to satisfy the Break in Service rule.