Retirement Counseling FAQs
Answers for members regarding retirement counseling appointments. To return the Frequently Asked Questions Home, click here.
Are there certain dates that are better for retirement?
There may or may not be specific dates that will be better than others for the retirement benefit. It will depend on many things including...
Can I have a counseling appointment if I am no longer contributing to SURS?
If you have terminated your employment and are no longer contributing to SURS you are allowed to have one counseling appointment every 12 months as...
Can I still have a counseling appointment if I am retiring within the next couple of months?
If your retirement date is within 60 days and you have not already had an appointment within the last 12 months, SURS will try to fit you in within...
How far in advance should I request a counseling appointment?
SURS typically schedules appointments at least 2 months in advance. In addition, we also recommend you submit your retirement application at...
If I have a phone appointment, when will I receive my estimates?
Estimates prepared for a phone appointment will be available on your member homepage at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment, if...
May I bring someone with me to my counseling appointment?
Yes, SURS recognizes that planning for retirement can be overwhelming and your benefit not only affects you, but also your family. For these...
What do I need to bring with me for my counseling appointment?
You are not required to bring anything with you to the appointment; however, SURS suggests the following: Pen and paper to make notes A list of any...
Can I request an estimate without having a counseling appointment?
If you do not want a counseling appointment you may request that SURS send you a written estimate. Written estimates, like counseling appointments,...
How do I know if a counselor will be visiting my campus?
You may call SURS at 800-275-7877 to see if your employer has scheduled retirement counselors to visit your campus, or contact your Human Resources...
How long is a counseling appointment?
All counseling appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
How many estimates and dates can I request?
Each member is allowed to request two retirement dates, or estimates. These dates must be within five years of the current date. Return to...
Why does SURS need my salary, sick leave and vacation?
Don’t you already have that information? In order to accurately calculate your anticipated retirement benefits SURS will need to know your projected...
What information do I need in order to complete my request for a counseling appointment?
The retirement estimate request form provides information to the retirement counselor to accurately project your anticipated retirement benefits....
How do I request a retirement counseling appointment?
If you qualify for an appointment, you may request an appointment one of two ways: Complete the online estimate request form from the SURS Member...
What types of counseling appointments are offered?
SURS offers four types of appointments: Office appointments at our Champaign or Naperville offices, Phone appointments Virtual appointments, or...
How often can I have a counseling appointment?
You are allowed one appointment, or written estimate, every 12 months, as long as you meet the requirements to be eligible for an appointment....
When would I be eligible for a counseling appointment?
You must meet all eligibility requirements for retirement within five years of the current date. Return to Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a private meeting with a SURS Retirement Counselor?
Members who are within five years of retirement can schedule a private appointment with a SURS Retirement Counselor. These meetings are 45 minutes...
What information will I get during a counseling appointment?
Your counselor will discuss many things during your counseling appointment including but not limited to the following: Review current account...
