New to SURS
Choosing one of SURS three retirement plans may seem a bit overwhelming at first. You will want to have a solid understanding of your options before you decide.
Ready to Retire
You have fulfilled the vesting requirements for retirement from your SURS-covered employer and would like to apply for retirement.
Educational Events
SURS hosts a number of online and in-person seminars and webinars for members in all plan types.
Resources
Helpful resources for new and existing SURS members including guides, videos and frequently asked questions.
Recent News
SURS Named 2025 Plan Sponsor of the Year
SURS is proud to announce that we have been named as the 2025 PLANSPONSOR Plan Sponsor of the Year winner in the “Total Retirement Offering"...
SURS Retiree Appreciation Day
The Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate have declared June 13, 2025, as “SURS Retiree Appreciation Day” to honor and recognize...
SURS Board Approves Finalists in Fixed Income Public Credit Manager Searches
Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees, during their meetings in Chicago, IL, June 5 and 6, approved...
Retirement Plans
Traditional Pension Plan
The SURS Traditional Pension Plan is the historical SURS Defined Benefit retirement plan. It provides lifetime retirement benefits and a survivor benefit at no additional cost. However, the separation refund feature is not as generous as the Portable Pension Plan. The Traditional Pension Plan is also the default plan assigned to members who fail to choose a plan within six months of certification.
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Portable Pension Plan
The SURS Portable Pension Plan is a Defined Benefit retirement plan that has much in common with the Traditional Pension Plan. However, it provides a more generous separation refund when participants leave the system. The provisions for survivor benefits require a reduction to the retirement and death benefits.
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Retirement Savings Plan
The SURS Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) is a defined contribution plan that establishes an account into which your contributions and the employer (state of Illinois) contributions are placed. You decide how your account balance will be invested, selecting from a variety of mutual funds and variable annuities.
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SURS Deferred Compensation Plan
This new voluntary plan, called the SURS Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), will provide members an avenue to save more and generate additional income in retirement. Most active SURS members employed by a state university, community college or other government entity will be able to participate.
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SURS Calendar
Stay up-to-date with all SURS events and dates.
- Educational Events
- Board and Committee Meetings
- Holidays
- Benefit Payment Dates
Educational Events
SURS is pleased to offer the following educational webinars and seminars.
Plan Choice Webinars
Retirement Savings Plan Webinars
Pre-Retirement Educational Seminars
From Here To Retirement Webinars
SURS Townhall and Stakeholders Meetings
Keep Your Information Up To Date.
SURS secure Member Website is the best tool to keep your personal information up to date. You can safely update your beneficiaries, address, email and phone numbers. You may also view your benefit statements and create retirement estimates based on different retirement scenarios. If you have not yet registered, do it today by clicking on the Member Website Login button in the top right-hand corner of the SURS website homepage, then hit the Registration Process button and follow the prompts.