You are entitled to (vested in) a SURS retirement annuity if you have been credited with the minimum number of service credit years required for vesting.
- If you first began participation prior to January 1, 2011, you are vested with at least five years of service credit.
- If you first began participation on or after January 1, 2011, you are vested with at least ten years of service credit.
By accepting a separation refund, your claim to these future benefits is forfeited. You should contact SURS for specific information regarding the retirement annuity and the date it can begin. If you have at least one year of service credit with another Illinois retirement system (even if you have less SURS service credit than is required for you to be vested for a SURS retirement annuity), it may still be to your advantage to leave your funds on deposit with SURS and retire under the Reciprocal Act. For further information, contact SURS.