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.
Calendar of Events
Find dates for annuity and disability payments, board meetings, schedules for educational seminars and webinars, plus SURS office closures.
Resources
Helpful resources for new and existing SURS members including guides, videos and frequently asked questions.
Recent News
SURS Spring Insights Newsletter Now Available
Explore your spring Insights newsletter for updates from SURS! We have launched a new strategic plan, "Advancing Our Mission, Empowering Our...
Important Notice about Protecting Your SURS Account
The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) would like to alert members to a rise in sophisticated scam attempts targeting pension systems and...
Benefit Choice Period for Health Insurance Changes is May 1 – June 1, 2026
The FY 2027 Benefit Choice Period to make health insurance changes is May 1 through June 1, 2026. This affects SURS active members as well as...
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.
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.
Retirement Savings Plan
The SURS Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) is a defined contribution plan. You and the state of Illinois make contributions to your RSP account on a regular basis. With the RSP, you have choices to match your retirement goals and investment style.
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.
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.