Before You Call
We are always looking for ways to serve our members and here are some additional ways to get the information you need. Before you call, please review the quick answers and links below. Many common questions can be resolved online.
Here are answers to some common questions we receive:
How Do I Register for the Secure Website?
Click here to access the SURS Secure Member Website. On the login page, enter your login credentials or click Registration Process to begin.
Still have questions? View the Registration Tutorial video.
How Can I Check the Status of my Retirement Claim?
- For Traditional or Portable Plan retirements: Retirement claims are finished on a first in, first out basis. To view the status of your claim, visit the SURS Secure Member Website.
- For Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) retirements: You may contact a SURS Member Service Representative at 1-800-275-7877.
How Can I Schedule a 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 Secure Member Website under Retirement Counseling, or
- Call SURS at 1-800-275-7877 and request the form be mailed to you
Once you complete and submit the form to SURS either online from the SURS Member homepage, by fax, or mail, you may then call SURS to schedule the appointment. The Benefit Estimator on your SURS Secure Member Website is a tool you can utilize as you prepare for retirement. Watch the Benefit Estimator Overview video to learn more.
How Can I Update my Address?
To change your address, log in to the SURS Secure Member Website and click on the Make Changes tab or contact the SURS Call Center at 1-800-275-7877. Please note, if you maintain multiple addresses at SURS, you will not be able to change your address online.
If you are a Retirement Savings Plan annuitant, you must contact your annuity provider, Principal or TIAA.
How Can I Update my Beneficiaries?
There are instances when you may need to update your beneficiaries. Log in to the SURS Secure Member Website and click on the Beneficiary Designation Form or contact the SURS Call Center at 1-800-275-7877.
If you are a Retirement Savings Plan annuitant, you must contact your annuity provider, Principal or TIAA.
What Are the Dates for Annuity and Disability Payments?
Dates for Annuity and Disability Payments can be found at https://surs.org/news/2026-dates-for-annuity-and-disability-payments.
How Can I Access my Member Statement?
You may access an up-to-date snapshot of your benefit information by logging into your account on the SURS Secure Member Website and clicking on the My SURS tab. The SURS Member Summary screen (statement) will display providing your demographic, beneficiary, and balance information. It also links to our Benefit Estimator where you may estimate future retirement benefits.
If you are a member of the Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), Voya and TIAA statements are made available quarterly. The Voya website is accessible via the SURS Secure Member Website. You may log into your TIAA directly.
When to Call vs. When to Use FAQs
You should call if you:
- Need help with a time-sensitive issue (e.g., a payment you did not receive, urgent retirement start date questions)
- Have a complex case (multiple employers, unusual service history, court orders, etc.)
- Were instructed by SURS to call to complete a step
You may not need to call if you:
- Want to know when your first annuity payment will begin
- Need basic information about retirement, disability, refunds, service credit, or RSP
- Need the right phone number for your plan/provider
Other Popular Questions
How do I find my Member ID?
To find your SURS Member ID, you can log in to the SURS Secure Member Website and click on the “Forms” tab. If you’re a first-time user, you will need to complete the Member Website registration process first, which is initiated by clicking the “Registration Process” button on the login page. Your SURS Member ID is also issued to you by SURS after they receive an Employment Certificate from your employer.
How do I verify my birth date with SURS?
A photocopy of the one of the following is acceptable for verification:
- Birth certificate
- Military discharge papers
- Passport or passport card
- Valid driver’s license
If you are married, we also ask for a photocopy of your spouse’s birth certificate and a photocopy of your marriage or civil union certificate.
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 homepage under “Retirement Counseling”, or
- Call SURS at 800.275.7877 and request the form be mailed to you
- Once you complete and submit the form to SURS either online from the SURS Member homepage, by fax, or mail, you may then call SURS to schedule the appointment.
Are my pension benefits subject to taxation?
Your pension benefits are subject to taxation by the Internal Revenue Service for federal income tax purposes. Under current law, your pension benefits are not subject to income tax by the state of Illinois. Should you relocate to another state, you should check with that state on the taxation of your pension benefit.
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t answered in this section or in the FAQs, please contact us during call center hours or send us a secure message through the SURS Secure Member Website. Many issues can be resolved without a phone call!