<p>Also want to point out that, in MA, at least, teacher pension is 95% paid out of teachers pay checks. The employer (town) pays the other 5. We do not collect SS benefits. Ever. Even if a teacher worked in the private sector and contributed to SS for decades. Once he/she becomes a teacher that becomes null and void and he/she is only entitled the teacher retirement pension. We also cannot collect our spouse’s SS in the event of their death, unlike our private sector equivalent’s who can collect their own SS and that of their deceased spouse.</p>