[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6527245,"mediaKeyId","3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61","parentId",3639168,"title","TRS highlights online account features, secure uploads and contact options for new retirees","audioSeconds",141,"startMs",2334000,"endMs",2475000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61&start=2334&end=2475","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61/thumbnail_2334000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6527245/Illinois/TRS-highlights-online-account-features-secure-uploads-and-contact-options-for-new-retirees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527245-a2bec87cf0da4f015739642befa8c7e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770822410&Signature=JpR4HniQZrxcI685j6tyM8IEIsgLMwCohil0WSOV-PGN6NqS4jJVujNexGBGNvYn9xDIfmuoFUgi0iicpAOwuEskSbany0ihMONrWvIQHDW5Y5tyU~t8kR-t0LD3IFhChjCU1QvJ88MVm~~mH-H2v9Tn~3cKWK~4rzkIYD5prKYi7yXiX7t6h2QAP9DxPOheCg3QqPSBXyldZmNgVSRc7GDTec6DpB8Fmrf1eEkSxW-gOEcplGoreeU-PFelJwmvbReSmm1KmHNTXBaG1Kle4dscoUgqHUvyi08vL6s4VC~ZjOkNkpKf4LCxlW54w6a4S2fP-pT3wAHOjN9DOVfSdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Teachers' Retirement System Board of Trustees","date","2025-06-03T17:09:14.317Z","article","A TRS staff member encouraged new retirees to set up and use their online account (myTRSIL) to check pay stubs, update contact information, upload documents securely, and request duplicate 1099-R forms.

TRS increasingly uses online services: the presenter described an online secure document upload center for forms and excess-refund paperwork, the ability to print income verification letters and to request duplicate 1099-Rs (which TRS will mail), and the recent addition of multifactor authentication for myTRSIL accounts. TRS staff hours for summer assistance were listed as 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; email responses are promised within one business day. TRS also referenced its social media channels and YouTube as additional resources for retirees.

The presenter recommended using the secure document upload center to return time-sensitive documents and to ensure TRS has current mailing and contact details to receive notifications like the Notification of First Payment letter.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","What's Next? Webinar Session","oneSentenceSummary","TRS encouraged retirees to set up online accounts (myTRSIL), use the secure document upload center, and described phone and email contact options and business hours for summer assistance.","taxTitle","Teachers' Retirement System Board of Trustees, T, Boards and Commissions, Executive, Illinois","taxId",38029,"location","Illinois","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6527250,"TRS explains annual increases, tax reporting and Social Security change",367,1943000,2310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61&start=1943&end=2310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61/thumbnail_1943000.jpg","/articles/6527250/Illinois/TRS-explains-annual-increases-tax-reporting-and-Social-Security-change","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527250-c1f8b264e6a4d10eb6884894767400ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770822410&Signature=UM5t9eU7y8g6j5vKMTpaGoQ1yewMbH6HdiJrwhXtB10UcvE7F--XeC1vpeXViP5Ir3QBmlLEg0oiuAfsH1KduQ2G1Ds-tyGEqguq1P08DgLkb74idh8ZFJgjY6szj9OnAB9gd-vs4aQTASv3u4h5W2PD1mmTlFpbY~L~QrwiLvpO12Ao4xh1vHHXsy7elQAh95~G9YM5N28WoHQVfQR4AjqwcX507mB6NKDJj77sUx50~WckKaNPpmf3jNOCMiDm6g3E39fCrb3wara2H2GYmB9C~pE80paHCA~byFOC~GU1VROpLR-mWE9PH~r8aBW8rTWg9JWUELojOFm0tV4qrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A TRS staff member reviewed benefit-increase schedules for tier 1 and tier 2 members, tax reporting requirements, and recent federal changes affecting Social Security calculations for public employees.

TRS said tier 1 members receive annual increases of 3% compounded on the prior year's benefit beginning the Jan. 1 after the member turns 61 and has been retired at least one year (first increase reflected on the Feb. 1 check). For tier 2 members (public service beginning after Jan. 1, 2011), annual increases are variable: the lesser of 3% of the original benefit or one-half of the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending the prior November; increases are determined year to year.

For tier 1 members who elected AAI, TRS said the first annual increase is delayed until after the member turns 67 and has been retired at least one year; those AAI increases are a fixed 1.5% of the original benefit and are paid Jan. 1 each year (reflected Feb. 1).

On taxes, TRS said it mails Form 1099-R information (via the comptroller’s office) to members at the address on file; the presenter noted that separate paid claims (monthly benefit, AAI, 2.2 refund, ERO refund, survivor refund) each generate a separate 1099-R. TRS can withhold state income tax only for a set of surrounding states (Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Wisconsin) but not for Missouri, and retirees must submit a state withholding form to request state tax withholding.

The presenter also highlighted the Social Security Fairness Act of 2025, which repealed prior provisions that could reduce Social Security benefits for some public employees; TRS advised members to consult Social Security directly for eligibility and benefits because TRS has no access to individual Social Security records.","TRS summarized how annual pension increases work for tier 1 and tier 2 members, tax reporting (1099-Rs), state withholding options, and the federal Social Security Fairness Act of 2025's effect on Social Security eligibility.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":80,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6527254,"TRS warns retirees: receive first check and meet IRS timing before returning to TRS-covered work",318,1625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61&start=1625&end=1943","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61/thumbnail_1625000.jpg","/articles/6527254/Illinois/TRS-warns-retirees-receive-first-check-and-meet-IRS-timing-before-returning-to-TRS-covered-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527254-5b38151e4a10d5676a7ca5ece286a3fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770822410&Signature=LztBSZzJAFGKva2UtUcbaQMGcTBPcxY4DwAn3DFIQtYeDG5qxpJegu0qjXhmW47MwKDTkvKy4-~u-4cMx3VvjR9W8y9dRUm20a27a1S66iiefvt7u1KeLLb6DoseWaxINUb9ifgavenLgR4hEh8-XxrPiOAZePCtjW61PHx9i3plQpFQqcGmO1K53ubHXd72hvonpcxipltTLMMpbbzV3hxaSyLUxXAq2YOvWFDhFzRW2jhRtvageHVKUPS9Gaso-5VwR2S5jBxIMMMqWSPMcFzJ81ixQXiQB2k3el0aIT79AhVTbIpD6PWSkqPbpqCEDO9gLtHl29AEwnHrjXsgpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A TRS staff member reviewed post-retirement employment rules that limit how and when retirees may return to TRS-covered work.

TRS emphasized two absolute prerequisites for returning to TRS-covered employment: the retiree must have received their first TRS retirement check, and they must satisfy the IRS 30-day wait from the effective date of resignation before returning to work for the same employer. TRS stated that there is no exception to the first-check requirement.

TRS said post-retirement TRS-covered work is limited to 120 days per school year and to 600 hours (counted as five hours per reported day). Employers report retiree hours to TRS; if a retiree exceeds the limit, TRS will stop pension payments and the member will be considered reactivated and must contribute again. The presenter warned that exceeding the limit in the first year of retirement can lead to cancellation of the retirement and a requirement to repay benefits already received.

The presentation clarified that TRS-covered work is any position requiring licensure by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and that retirees should verify with the employer whether a position is TRS-covered. TRS said there are no restrictions on non–TRS-covered employment. The presenter also noted tier 2 members (public service start after Jan. 1, 2011) are barred from returning to full‑time public employment under another Illinois state pension system.","TRS reviewed post-retirement employment limits: retirees must receive their first pension check, wait 30 days before returning to the same employer, and are limited to 120 days/600 hours of TRS-covered work per school year; penalties for exceeding limits include pension cancellation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6527259,"TRS explains TRIP and TRAIL enrollment windows, premiums and split-family rules",437,1087000,1524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61&start=1087&end=1524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61/thumbnail_1087000.jpg","/articles/6527259/Illinois/TRS-explains-TRIP-and-TRAIL-enrollment-windows-premiums-and-split-family-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527259-f088c15d8fba199301d5f13689ec4150/orig.mp4?Expires=1770822410&Signature=ILIeJNgycoYUmLti0S9mCTEAzXvxYy-byCzZ7MWPnwsI-C7i6qF73rmgAjFgJFL1zy~YEyEFqeNcytdvkZJpF719F4JErZmZ9vXwbPOfyqBxCSuK5NI19V6Tzwx6PhRqfBzbYD1Gby-gETVX~UhtqIqYznD4MIbyX4XyfvdG26hCO76Nrd~ivsR2C40TzswAYkOBIE19l9s0lihdMQXXEDspEYzUzDwP7QdjHG2axcWnJS47rn3eDKeu8DYWRV~SgikLg6CT7njXws9mirigbzPSGFHOV241V2IoFXPqla47jt0KQFpN8wyw9u42B4taDZ1xeb7jnuDzMyNX5HLdxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A TRS staff member summarized how new retirees enroll in TRIP (regular retiree coverage) or TRAIL (Total Retiree Advantage Illinois, the Medicare Advantage option) and what to expect for premiums and carrier selection.

TRS said the trip participation election form (for members with at least eight years of service) must be received within 60 days of the retirement claim date to enroll as a new retiree. Enrollment takes place in two steps: TRS enters the election into its system in order of effective date, then the retiree must call the My Benefits Service Center to select a carrier (examples given: Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna) and plan type. If enrolling dependents, retirees must provide proof documents (marriage certificate, ID, Medicare card if the dependent is 65+).

TRS confirmed that TRIP/TRAIL enrollment always begins the first of a month and that insurance premiums are deducted from monthly benefit checks. For example, a coverage effective Aug. 1 will be reflected as a premium deduction on the Sept. 1 pension payment (because TRS pension checks pay the prior month). TRS discussed premium differentials: retiree-only premiums are lower than dependent premiums because retiree coverage receives a TRS subsidy.

For members and dependents age 65 and older, TRAIL (Medicare Advantage) applies. TRS introduced “split-family” coverage for fiscal year 2026, allowing one family member to be on TRAIL (Medicare) and the other on regular TRIP where previously all covered family members had to be on the same plan. TRS also said dental (Delta Dental) and vision (EyeMed) coverage are included automatically in TRIP/TRAIL beginning July 1, 2025 and are not optional add-ons.

The presenter advised retirees who delay enrollment that they retain eligibility to enroll later through TRIP’s annual Benefits Choice period (typically May for under-65 TRIP) or TRAIL’s open enrollment (mid-October to mid-November). TRS recommended using the secure online account and the My Benefits Service Center for carrier selection and dependent enrollment.","The Teachers' Retirement System summarized enrollment steps for TRIP/TRAIL, required documentation for dependents, premium timing, new split-family coverage for 2026, and inclusion of dental and vision.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6527263,"TRS outlines timeline for first pension check, AAI election and excess contribution refunds",785,159000,944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61&start=159&end=944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639168-2a7f36c6c496b0443367e1dbbb08cb61/thumbnail_159000.jpg","/articles/6527263/Illinois/TRS-outlines-timeline-for-first-pension-check-AAI-election-and-excess-contribution-refunds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527263-32cb1095b6dc6659fb55cf41ec78ca2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770822410&Signature=Z8~It0sQOsf6y6RUV1f4WyqVE4gRYffkeOkKXQVodhH31eXqOWlXjZY-yaN9M0uwlK5OiDm7n7POetVYb2Pl4OIqcUo5sj-DWGtpxMxIKu5yKCTZpc8tU3zrWcGGnuv3EKA6xXysYgwK2CyEpXaobwMGzBoAqL3JVEeAsDhS5tFJ1YUb5RnCk7Fo4IbNLsEB~CxlDjbt-rv9~BQX~EIe9qQ42LtoJu1n13PmMbXWjNKc2CHerl5jaN1YR8ejn9Pvyk-cFZwVSd~H8D3-~tBstkhtaVgTksqrTVPtgFwezTSqqSh9hpxhe5b~my3jYL4Nj43Si1HxBwre~k7qt6YcSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A TRS staff member presented an overview of the retirement claim timeline and what new retirees should expect between their last day of work and the arrival of the first pension payment. The presentation covered required and optional forms, employer reporting, the accelerated annual increase (AAI) election for tier 1 members, and several types of excess contribution refunds.

The TRS presenter said retirees must submit their retirement application and (recommended) direct-deposit depository agreement, and that employers must submit two required electronic forms after the member’s final day: the supplementary report (final pay, days worked, sick leave) and the sick-leave granting certification. TRS will not act on a claim until those employer forms arrive and any outstanding balances for optional service credit or the “2.2 upgrade” are settled or arranged for repayment.

After all required forms and payments are received, TRS begins processing. For most claimants the first pension check is issued roughly 60 to 90 days from the receipt of the final required form or payment; for tier 1 members who elect AAI, the clock starts when TRS receives the signed paper AAI election form. TRS said the AAI election form requires an actual signature and is irrevocable.

The presenter described several excess contribution refunds that may be mailed after claims are processed, including refunds tied to 2.2 upgrade payments, the early retirement option (ERO) sunset refund, and refunds of the 1% survivor benefit contributions for members who certified no eligible dependents on their application. TRS said each separate refund is paid as its own claim and will be mailed as a paper check; each paid claim generates its own 1099-R tax form.

TRS noted AAI lump sums are typically large (the presenter estimated an average around $150,000) and are paid as a separate claim, usually taking an additional 8 to 12 weeks to issue after the notification of first payment. Retirees may choose a direct rollover (no immediate withholding) or a taxable distribution (20% federal withholding required when paid to the retiree). The presenter advised considering rollover options (TRS supplemental savings plan, 457(b), 403(b), IRA) to avoid immediate taxation.

The presentation closed with a reminder that once a member has met processing requirements and TRS has requested the first benefit payroll from the Office of the Comptroller, TRS will send a Notification of First Payment letter by U.S. mail specifying the payment date and the service period that payment covers.","The Teachers' Retirement System explained required forms, employer reporting, timelines (60–90 days), accelerated annual increase (AAI) elections and types of excess contribution refunds new retirees should expect.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TRS highlights online account features, secure uploads and contact options for new retirees

TRS explains annual increases, tax reporting and Social Security change

TRS warns retirees: receive first check and meet IRS timing before returning to TRS-covered work

TRS explains TRIP and TRAIL enrollment windows, premiums and split-family rules

TRS outlines timeline for first pension check, AAI election and excess contribution refunds