Written Estimates

Steps

  • Check Eligibility
  • Complete and Submit Application
  • Receive Written Estimate
  • Read Important Information
  • Claim Finalized 

 

Determine Your Eligibility for a Written Estimate

Note:  Retirement Savings Plan members are not eligible for a written estimate from SURS.  Please contact your plan provider(s) for projected benefit amounts.

Service Providers

If you wish to receive a written estimate from SURS, you must be within four years of  retirement eligibility; therefore, you must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements (depending on Tier) within four years.

Note:  If you participated in one of the Illinois reciprocal systems and plan to retire under  the Reciprocal Act, the reciprocal service may be applied to meet the minimum qualification requirements.

Click here to view the reciprocal system list

Tier I
Participant prior to 01/01/11
Tier II
Participant on or after 01/01/11

Traditional, Portable, & SMP

Traditional & Portable

SMP

5 years at age 62

10 years at age 67

5 years at age 62

8 years at age 55
(with age reduction, if applicable)

10 years at age 62
(with age reduction)

8 years at age 55

30 years at any age

30 years at any age

You are limited to a written estimate or one appointment (counseling session via phone or in-person) with a SURS counselor every 12 months.  While eligible employees are allowed to receive a written estimate every 12 months, it is not necessary to request one every 12 months unless the previous estimate information has changed significantly.

Complete and Submit a Retirement Estimate Request Form

If you are in the Traditional or Portable Plans, you must complete the Retirement Estimate Request form.  Retirement Savings Plan members are not eligible for a written estimate from SURS.

To obtain the required SURS paperwork:

  • Online:  The form is available for electronic submission on the SURS Member Website homepage.  Go to www.surs.org and click on Member Login.
  • Dial Toll Free:  800-275-7877
  • Dial Direct:  217-378-8800

You must complete the Retirement Estimate Request form and return it to SURS via mail, fax, or electronically.  The form asks you to provide:

  • Anticipated retirement date(s):  You may request up to two different dates with starting dates within the next four years.  SURS cannot project a retirement benefit amount beyond the next four years.
  • Current salary
  • Future expected annual salary increases
  • Sick and vacation accumulations (you must obtain this information from your employer)
  • Other credits such as eligible purchases or reciprocal service
Receive Written Estimate

When the completed form is received (via U.S. mail, fax, or Internet), SURS will process your request and send a written estimate to you. SURS goal is to process written estimate requests in 30 days. However, it can take longer depending on demand.

Read the Following Important Information

A retirement estimate in no way commits you to retire on a specific date – it is merely a projection to help you make a determination for a future retirement date.  An application for retirement must be submitted to SURS to initiate a retirement claim.  The accuracy of retirement annuity estimates depends on the information provided to SURS. The actual retirement annuity may vary from the estimates provided.  Final benefit determination is pursuant to verified data and to the provisions of Chapter 40, Articles 1, 15, and 20 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes.

Everything provided in the written estimate is held in the strictest confidence and is not shared with your employer.