MERS is partnering with a new recordkeeper
Introducing Empower
We’ve selected a new recordkeeper partner, Empower. Effective March 2, 2026, Empower will replace Alerus as the recordkeeper for the following MERS retirement plans:
- 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (and the DC Portion
of the Hybrid Plan) - 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Program
- Health Care Savings Program
- Deemed IRA
Better Together
You will continue to have MERS at your side, but now with the added strength of Empower’s industry-leading tools and services. Together, we are creating a stronger team, focused on delivering greater account security, more efficiency, and enhanced resources to support your financial future.
By leveraging MERS’ size and scale, our members can benefit from lower costs, improved services, and the confidence that comes from being part of a larger, well-managed system. This partnership was built with your needs in mind, and we are confident that your retirement journey will be brighter because MERS and Empower are working together on your behalf.
You do not need to do anything at this time. Your account will automatically transfer from Alerus to Empower.
What To Expect
What is staying the same?
- MERS remains the sole fiduciary legally responsible for putting your interests first
- MERS-to-MERS service credit helps you meet vesting requirements across employers
- Local education specialists provide in-person guidance
- A dedicated investment team selects and monitors investment options
- Many underlying investment options will remain the same
- Payroll deductions (including loan repayments) will continue during the transition
What is changing?
- Online accounts, statements, and confirmations will get a new look from Empower
- Financial planning and investment advice will be available
- Investment option names are changing
- Quarterly statements will show fees differently
- Distributions and installments will be easier—no medallion signature needed
- Active employees must update addresses through your employer
- Elective contribution rate changes need to be made through Empower
You do not need to do anything at this time. Your account will automatically transfer from Alerus to Empower.
Key Dates
February 17, 2026 - 4 p.m. Eastern time
Deadline for paper forms
Forms must be received at Alerus by this date, in good order, to be processed before the blackout date. This includes transactions such as loan applications, distributions, and rollover requests.
February 24, 2026 - 4 p.m. Eastern time
Deadline to submit online transactions; Blackout period begins
This is the last day to request a withdrawal, request a loan, make an investment election change, or update beneficiary designation(s) online through your myMERS account at mersofmich.com.
As of February 24, you will no longer have the ability to complete transactions in your current myMERS account with Alerus, and you will not yet have access to your future online account with Empower. This blackout period will give us time to transfer to Empower.
During the blackout period, your funds will remain invested (excluding those funds that are liquidating or mapping to a new fund), and will be reflected in your Empower account after the blackout period ends.
Week of March 23, 2026
Blackout period ends
During this week, you will have full access to your new online account with Empower.
June 30, 2026
Current myMERS access ending
This is the last day you will be able to access your myMERS account with your current login (including on the myMERS app). Download any historical statements, 1099s, or confirmations you wish to retain for your records prior to this date as they will not carry over to Empower.
Participant Resources
Communications Sent Out
- 12/19/2025: recordkeeper transition announcement
- 1/16/2026: recordkeeper transition guide
Communications from Empower
You may receive email from our partner Empower, from one of these trusted email addresses:
- no-reply@workspace-updates.empower.com, or
- noreply@workspace.empower.com.