05/29/2026
CSEA will host a webinar on Monday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. to walk through the new changes to Tier 6. Registration is required. Click here to register.
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4g5-x8S3Q6SayeH_34-ksQ?link_id=0&can_id=fc4bde50a37a308ec8361f1108c8bf77&source=email-from-the-desk-of-csea-president-mary-e-sullivan-171&email_referrer=email_3254172&email_subject=from-the-desk-of-csea-president-mary-e-sullivan&& #/registration
Tier 6 Reforms
CSEA has secured the most significant Tier 6 reforms enacted since Tier 6 became law. This is major progress that will put real money back in members’ pockets and strengthen retirement security for the future. Under the new law, effective Oct. 1, 2026, every Tier 6 member earning $75,000 or less will now pay just 3% toward their pension — 90% of all CSEA Tier 6 members. Under the old law, only about 30% of members paid 3%. This means more money stays in Tier 6 members’ paycheck.
Salary Current Rate New Rate
$0-$45,000
3% 3%
$45,000.01-$55,000 3.5% 3%
$55,000.01-$75,000
4.5% 3%
$75,000.01-$100,000 5.75% 4%
$100,000.01-$125,000 6% 5.25%
$125,000.01+ 6% 5.75%
Tier 6 members have long paid significantly higher contribution rates than members in Tiers 4 and 5, and these reforms deliver immediate financial relief while improving long-term retirement security. For members currently paying above 3%, this is effectively equivalent to a raise. Even if you already pay 3%, these reforms protect future raises from being eaten by higher pension deductions.
While many members may have read that teachers agreed to a different 30/58 retirement benefit, that change will not take effect until 2042 — 17 years from now. That means there is no immediate benefit, only a promise for the future. That proposal was not good enough for CSEA members. We fought for immediate relief and delivered real savings members will see in their paychecks now.
In addition, the budget also increases pensionable overtime earnings from $21,589 to $30,000, with a 3% annual increase for Tiers 5 and 6 members. This means more overtime earnings can count toward your pension calculation, helping boost final average salary and future retirement benefits.
CSEA will continue fighting for additional Tier 6 improvements. These victories did not happen by accident. From phone calls and letters to lobbying efforts and rallies, it took members, activists and retirees across the state standing together and taking action to make these reforms happen. Thank you to everyone who stepped up and made their voices heard. That solidarity is how we win!
https://youtu.be/A3cJ7GVoOdA?si=U9koK68yYGecrUNJ
