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Transfer from a State Employer

If you are joining Montclair State University from another New Jersey State employer, welcome! To ensure a smooth transition with your benefits and retirement plans, please review the steps below and take the necessary actions.

What You Need to Do:

Confirm Your Eligibility to Transfer

  • Contact the NJ Division of Pension and Benefits to determine whether you’re eligible to transfer without a break in service
  • Email: pensions.nj@treas.nj.gov
  • Phone: 609-292-7524

Medical, Prescription, and Dental Benefits

  • If you’re eligible for a transfer without a break in service, there will be no lapse in coverage.
  • Coverage with your previous employer will end on the last day of the month in which you separate.
  • Coverage with Montclair State University will begin on the first day of the following month.
  • Your previous employer must process your termination in Benefitsolver before your benefits can be transferred to Montclair. 
    • Please note it can take up to 2 weeks for your account to be transferred in Benefitsolver from when your previous employer has completed your termination
  • Once your account is transferred, log into Benefitsolver to enroll.

Flexible Spending Accounts

  • If you were enrolled in a Health Care or Dependent Care FSA and would like to transfer your account to Montclair you will need to do the following:
    • Send an email indicating which FSA you are enrolled in and your annual election amount to benefits@montclair.edu.

Retirement Systems

PERS (Public Employees’ Retirement System)

  • If you are currently in PERS and accepting a PERS-eligible position:
    • You will remain in PERS if there is no break in service.
    • Your prior contributions will count toward the 10-year vesting period.
    • Send an email with your last pension deduction to benefits@montclair.edu to complete the transfer.
  • If you are currently in PERS and accepting an ABP-eligible position:
    • You have a one-time option to either remain in PERS or transfer to ABP. This decision must be made within 30 days from your date of hire.
    • View our PERS vs ABP Comparison Chart to help decide.

ABP (Alternate Benefit Program)

If you are currently enrolled in ABP and are accepting an ABP-eligible position at Montclair State:

  • You will remain enrolled in ABP

To begin contributions at Montclair:

If you wish to transfer your existing ABP funds to your Montclair account:

  • You will need to contact your carrier directly to arrange the transfer and set up your investment options.

TPAF (Teacher’s Pension and Annuity Fund)

Montclair State University does not participate in TPAF however this pension is eligible to be transferred into PERS or ABP.

  • If you are accepting an ABP-eligible position:
    • You have a one-time option to either transfer to PERS or ABP. This decision must be made within 30 days from your date of hire.
  • If you are accepting a PERS-eligible position:
    • Complete an Interfund Transfer and HR/Benefits will submit your PERS application to the State