TRS outlines service credit and sick leave benefits for retiring educators

The Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Board of Trustees in Illinois held a meeting on February 3, 2025, focusing on the Tier 1 TRS Express program, which aims to clarify how service credit and final average salary impact retirement benefits for educators.

During the meeting, officials explained that service credit is crucial in determining retirement benefits. The standard formula factor for calculating benefits is 2.2% of the final average salary for each year of service credit. A year of service credit is defined as 170 paid days, regardless of whether the employee is a teacher or an administrator. Those who work fewer than 170 days receive partial credit based on the number of days worked.

One significant point discussed was the conversion of unused, uncompensated sick leave days into service credit. Educators can accumulate sick leave days throughout their careers, and TRS allows for the conversion of these days into service credit at retirement. The maximum conversion is capped at 340 days, which can equate to up to two additional years of service credit.

TRS representatives emphasized the importance of ensuring that all unused sick leave days from previous employers are accurately reported. Educators are encouraged to check their TRS benefits report for any missing districts and to submit a certification form to have those days accounted for, as this process incurs no cost to the individual or their district.

The meeting underscored the potential for educators to enhance their retirement benefits through careful management of service credit and sick leave, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement with TRS records.