Code of Massachusetts Regulations
807 CMR - TEACHERS' RETIREMENT BOARD
Title 807 CMR 21.00 - Maternity Services Credit
Section 21.02 - Definitions

For purposes of 807 CMR 21.00:

Leave is an authorized unpaid absence from employment as a teacher in Massachusetts, a period of unemployment after resignation as a teacher in Massachusetts, or a period following a break in active membership as a teacher due to the member working on a basis of less than half time. The Leave must be immediately preceded by membership service. A termination of employment as a teacher for cause (other than maternity) shall not be considered a Leave. The Leave will be considered terminated upon re-entry into membership service in a Massachusetts contributory retirement system on at least a half time basis.

Maternity Leave is a Leave that begins no more than nine months before the birth or adoption of a child. The Board may request any documents that it determines are needed to make this determination including, but not limited to, birth certificates, adoption records, or documents establishing termination of employment or the Leave. A Leave that the Board determines is for a reason other than the birth or adoption of a child is not a Maternity Leave.

Member is a retired member of the Teachers' Retirement System, or if deceased such retired member's estate or Option C beneficiary, who was alive on April 2, 2012 and who retired before September 1, 2000. "Member" does not include a member who was an inactive member of the System if the member retired on or after September 1, 2000.