[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6301543,"mediaKeyId","2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1","parentId",2487469,"title","TRS clarifies post‑retirement work rules, TRIP/TRAIL health coverage and Social Security caveats","audioSeconds",1149,"startMs",2970000,"endMs",4119000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1&start=2970&end=4119","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1/thumbnail_2970000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6301543/Illinois/TRS-clarifies-postretirement-work-rules-TRIPTRAIL-health-coverage-and-Social-Security-caveats","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301543-636693e9c96cdd6c5fceef2cc9f5f645/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144208&Signature=Zz91~iMR3vZ~o1-kkUUaBnmtwRDSLdTcfvP3pXJ9D3RPUwxCX5mrlei8KbGcYVOGDNtoCrEZUf8H0wspsRUlG1zX9dlpA0ja0ba~bKeVL0oxKclOZaCn0rEH8jOc9tIo~6hl~3mcwIGOAXgC2n8RiqqE74h7Z260SxuxzFbjYHvuXcbZyEocLyqbxkib-AIcuueDgiXv7cpLh0pQeeW5i9-gD4LEqf~22F-LdXmEn1QBpWPh5ol7IZN8ViXjUv8kEYAIyi9YVJpAz2dEd09vuEzs5lzHfln2~BN-f62~Fg-gmc88xXSTf-JPKUt4qWw6hmYFopgHO1706VP~zwdumQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Teachers' Retirement System Board of Trustees","date","2025-02-03T00:00:00Z","article","Nick Stabler, a Teachers’ Retirement System presenter, described the rules governing post‑retirement TRS‑covered work, the TRIP and TRAIL health insurance programs available to annuitants and basic points about how Social Security and Medicare interact with TRS benefits.

The nut graf: Retirees can return to TRS‑covered work but must meet inactivity and hourly/day limits to avoid pension suspension; health coverage for retirees and dependents follows distinct TRIP/TRAIL rules with eligibility and premiums that vary by age and county; Social Security benefits may be reduced by federal offsets for those who have both TRS pensions and Social Security work credits.

Stabler said retirees must have received their first TRS pension check, be 30 days inactive from their last employer and observe a limit of 120 TRS‑covered working days per school year (or 600 hours if working fewer than five hours per day). Exceeding those limits can reactivate an annuitant and stop pension payments and potentially affect health insurance.

On health insurance, Stabler explained TRIP (Teachers’ Retirement Insurance Program) is the umbrella for retiree health plans and TRAIL (Total Retiree Advantage Illinois) is the Medicare‑age Medicare Advantage component. Eligibility for TRIP/TRAIL requires at least eight years of TRS service credit. For retirees under 65, managed care options (HMOs, open access plans) were shown in the presentation with a commonly cited monthly premium example of $347.20 for a single retiree on those plans; a PPO example in the slides showed $810.30 monthly for a single retiree. Stabler said TRAIL, the Medicare Advantage option for those with Parts A and B, is considerably less expensive and cited example premiums of $2.16 monthly for a TRS retiree and $6.49 to add a dependent spouse under Trail (as presented).

Stabler also noted that while TRS members typically do not pay into Social Security while working in Illinois public schools, many members have Social Security credits from other employment. He advised members to consult Social Security about the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which can reduce Social Security retirement or spousal benefits for those with a TRS pension.

Ending: Stabler encouraged members to watch TRS “It’s Time to Retire” webinars, keep email addresses current to receive retirement notices, use the TRS online account and benefit estimator, and contact TRS member services or a counselor for personalized questions about post‑retirement work or insurance choices.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tier 1 Benefit Information Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","TRS staff reviewed post‑retirement employment limits for annuitants, TRIP/TRAIL health insurance eligibility and premiums, and how Social Security interactions (WEP/GPO) can reduce Social Security benefits for some teachers.","taxTitle","Teachers' Retirement System Board of Trustees, T, Boards and Commissions, Executive, Illinois","taxId",38029,"location","Illinois","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301546,"TRS explains disability payments, survivor buckets and beneficiary options",626,2376000,3002000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1&start=2376&end=3002","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1/thumbnail_2376000.jpg","/articles/6301546/Illinois/TRS-explains-disability-payments-survivor-buckets-and-beneficiary-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301546-e30939568267cb24fc50711b57204d96/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144208&Signature=f~KJRrbvMQn8p0Wxm0XSyNdYWRmZf01~Cms9OPkBwKy7T7YYFIiGNt13k3MNPL2pu1HIyVCE5S8oK-CKRqMaQvyGS4DOOQ4uym03aiP-qidq-8b2~Srdhl2jMX6RjSs4PpxbcXc2BLDM0CS14cGwTGGfkySzKUdgBacoyMWJVQ7dq8SpddnQ9tv1RrurwqMTjGKole~hOrQBkVDzMFL2Ian~Zo8BaOCMsPaaVtlgR4TUtueNJxyl6Y5JwmF~JMJ~SZmTSZ93l~og-s5PiTbtg7R-Z5S98Za5tgSnDl7P8oWvs46jhsciObHBARBuFvH1ynRMHiwICccgOKnwp7u3VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nick Stabler, a Teachers’ Retirement System presenter, described the TRS disability and death‑benefit programs, including how beneficiaries are designated and how survivor payments are calculated.

The nut graf: TRS pays rare disability benefits that both replace partial income and preserve service credit; survivor benefits use a separate 1% contribution bucket and an 8% contribution bucket that funds returned contributions — who is eligible and how benefits are paid depends on beneficiaries’ relationship to the member.

Stabler said the TRS disability benefit generally pays about 40% of the contract rate while a member is on disability; TRS grants service credit for the period a member receives disability benefits so the time does not reduce retirement service totals. TRS provides a disability packet (forms for employer and medical certification) for members who run out of sick leave and cannot work.

Death benefits derive from two contribution “buckets.” Stabler explained that 8% of contributions are invested for retirement and typically are fully recovered in the first several years of retirement; 1% of contributions are set aside for survivor benefits. Members designate beneficiaries for each bucket. If members check the automatic designation option, TRS will pay survivor benefits to a surviving spouse or dependent children (as defined) or to the estate if there are no dependents.

A dependent spouse is eligible for one‑half of the member’s monthly benefit for life; dependent children may share that one‑half monthly benefit until they no longer meet dependency criteria (must be under age 22, full‑time students and unmarried). Non‑dependent beneficiaries (for example, adult children or nonmarried partners) are typically entitled to a lump‑sum payment from the 1% survivor bucket; TRS compares that bucket’s balance to one‑sixth of the member’s highest salary and pays the higher amount. Stabler also noted that a living member with no dependent beneficiaries may request a refund of the 1% survivor contributions while living, but taking that refund removes the pool that would pay any future spouse survivor benefit if the member later remarries.

Ending: Stabler urged members to review and update beneficiary designations, check the annual TRS benefits report for reported sick leave and employer history, and contact TRS immediately if records appear incomplete.","TRS clarified its disability benefit (40% of contract pay while on disability, with service credit) and explained how survivor benefits are paid from separate contribution buckets and how members may designate beneficiaries.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301549,"Voya outlines TRS supplemental 457(b) savings plan: contribution limits, investment options and enrollment steps",399,1961000,2360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1&start=1961&end=2360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1/thumbnail_1961000.jpg","/articles/6301549/Illinois/Voya-outlines-TRS-supplemental-457b-savings-plan-contribution-limits-investment-options-and-enrollment-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301549-4db44b4de72196735590aa4601ffd218/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144208&Signature=CVBMazfxgQSeCG0jiSZN4SMPuMnPAVbZTM9w4MxBrCPk7DYOT~zQsE0b5v8V7IvxFvgkdOjh4FBsgwuARXBtlnP3DbObF7gfm5Lnjncqj7KP9E97RZW1KdR5phFKQigahFzndYOdK~A1-U2WSZwpSdDsaOfGod136qWN3mIU84jNa-OK2WAhtINsH3iEeJAukRbM3Lgtv5frHP3RdUdW2wY29lEN6w5E02vkZnTOFh7rdnpwbRo34zr6z~SR-NLnMDVfCVVLkjlynx6CeGONuDEJfVzMAQloqD5IfXyGhK-soSVSY~AJLTZhi5ON2C6moR0Kbb6z~6dC30AB4NIONA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tanya Coleman, a Voya representative, presented features of the Teachers’ Retirement System supplemental savings plan (SSP), a uniform 457(b) plan created under a 2018 legislative change and administered for TRS by Voya.

The nut graf: The SSP is a voluntary, employer‑sponsored deferred contribution account designed to supplement the TRS pension; participation rules, tax treatment and investment choices determine how it complements the defined‑benefit pension.

Coleman said participation is optional and described the plan’s basic parameters: for 2025 the IRS elective deferral limit cited in the presentation is $23,500; the plan minimum contribution is $30 per pay or 1% per pay. Participants may choose a traditional pretax contribution (tax deferral now, ordinary income tax on distribution) or a Roth after‑tax contribution (taxed upfront, qualified distributions tax‑free if IRS rules are met). The TRS 457(b) differs from a 403(b) in several ways Coleman noted: the TRS 457(b) imposes no 10% early‑withdrawal penalty for separated participants, it offers a three‑year special catch‑up window, and it does not provide loan provisions (unlike many 403(b) plans); the plan does offer certain unforeseen emergency withdrawals.

Investment choices include self‑directed fund selection or target‑date (professionally managed) funds. Coleman said plan participants can change investments daily and may mix do‑it‑myself and managed options. To enroll, members register at the plan website, choose contribution amounts (pre‑ or post‑tax), select investments and name beneficiaries; after enrollment a PIN and mailed security envelope are issued as a security step and do not indicate automatic enrollment.

Ending: Coleman directed members to Voya’s enrollment portal and TRS materials for details and urged potential participants to consult plan specialists or local retirement education staff to set contribution levels and investment allocations appropriate to their retirement goals.","Voya representative Tanya Coleman described the TRS Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP), a 457(b) plan for TRS members, including contribution limits, Roth vs. traditional options, investment choices and enrollment procedures.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301551,"TRS presenter details pension formula, eligibility and early‑retirement reductions for tier 1 members",1757,172000,1929000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1&start=172&end=1929","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2487469-39f16b132dcd87c3c5b30264820318b1/thumbnail_172000.jpg","/articles/6301551/Illinois/TRS-presenter-details-pension-formula-eligibility-and-earlyretirement-reductions-for-tier-1-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301551-91f84c3d215e08f7be29229b84881c60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144208&Signature=KwLUGssVobOA27oiOpbA6schxCfAZVlBbWm2f3RFX0VIYbdiWvCPWWZShV7cJ9l8D-qPGHS2Tcn6EyFz6ZYZnfpeu7ks4tR2dqd8hnolZIg-nfH0W-bLbSffdzTmOQWLmhChnDiwgDx80MrAKEpyZuGKGyvbmvo~3d3o~K07NMXvxpuxwLH9hAi7v6IMpb13jwigyDINTzv7jxPS9UGe8ioa7dE2S9Kqxn8~yo4ABBBv1QjsNfsNssqCFY22JUpSPqQRyYLDwGxaLMY0fzAjy-RYPLG3vTx17Xw8B2596yhF7qhmdc7iZMm9GHmDWHetKZPAdzmwTQlLaIqmk4W7dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nick Stabler, a Teachers’ Retirement System presenter, laid out how TRS calculates lifetime pension benefits for tier 1 members and when those members may begin receiving them.

Stabler said the system is a defined‑benefit plan funded by a required 9% contribution from members. He described two buckets in members’ contributions — an 8% portion invested to pay retirement benefits and a 1% portion reserved for survivor benefits — and noted the trust fund pays monthly for the life of the retiree. “I think the best thing about being in a defined benefit plan is that your benefits, once they start to be paid monthly, are paid monthly for the rest of your life. You cannot outlive the benefit,” Stabler said.

The nut graf: The calculation that determines a TRS pension depends on three variables members can influence — service credit, a statutory formula factor and final average salary — and choices about when to claim benefits meaningfully affect lifetime payouts.

Under the rules for tier 1 members described by Stabler, service credit is earned at 170 paid days in a July‑to‑June school year; partial years are prorated by days paid. Up to 340 unused, uncompensated sick days may be converted into as much as two additional years of service credit. Members may purchase certain types of optional service credit (out‑of‑system public teaching, leaves of absence, military active duty, earlier substitute or part‑time service in limited circumstances) and may combine recognized service from other Illinois public retirement systems through reciprocity, subject to non‑concurrency rules.

TRS applies a formula factor to service credit: service after July 1, 1998 uses a 2.2% multiplier; earlier service used a 1.67% multiplier that members may upgrade over time (three post‑1998 years can upgrade one pre‑1998 year). Final average salary for tier 1 members is the average of the highest four consecutive salaries out of the last ten years of service. Stabler noted that extra‑duty pay, employer‑paid contributions and retirement incentives that raise reportable earnings can increase that final average salary, but the system will not count more than a 20% year‑over‑year increase within the four years used to calculate the final average salary.

Claim timing affects reductions. Tier 1 members generally have a regular retirement age of 60; members with 10 years of service can claim at 60 instead of 62, and members with 20 years can claim as early as 55 at a permanent reduction. For claims earlier than 60 (unless the member has 35 years of service), TRS reduces the calculated benefit by 6% for each year the member is under 60. Conversely, members with 35 or more years of service may receive an unreduced benefit at ages under 60. The statutory maximum benefit under the standard formula is 75% of final average salary, attainable with roughly 34 years of service at age 60.

Stabler walked through example calculations and urged members to use the TRS benefit estimator (by phone or online) to model their own numbers. He also described post‑retirement annual increases for tier 1: a 3% compounded increase provided beginning at age 61 and after at least one full year of retirement. For members with a claim date on or before June 30, 2026, TRS offers an Accelerated Annual Increase (AAI) option that trades the 3% compounded increases for an upfront lump sum and a 1.5% non‑compounded increase beginning at age 67; Stabler said about one in five new retirees elect AAI and that lump sums averaged about $150,000 in recent examples.

Ending: Stabler advised members to review their annual TRS report each December, verify employers’ reported sick leave and service history, and call TRS member services or a benefits counselor to generate tailored benefit estimates before making irrevocable retirement elections.","Teachers’ Retirement System presenter Nick Stabler explained how TRS calculates lifetime pension benefits for tier 1 members, the role of service credit and final average salary, sick‑leave conversions and the rules that reduce benefits for early retirement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TRS clarifies post‑retirement work rules, TRIP/TRAIL health coverage and Social Security caveats

TRS explains disability payments, survivor buckets and beneficiary options

Voya outlines TRS supplemental 457(b) savings plan: contribution limits, investment options and enrollment steps

TRS presenter details pension formula, eligibility and early‑retirement reductions for tier 1 members