[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6556122,"mediaKeyId","3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db","parentId",3319482,"title","SERS webinar covers return-to-work rules, reciprocity and optional COLA buyout","audioSeconds",496,"startMs",3754000,"endMs",4250000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db&start=3754&end=4250","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db/thumbnail_3754000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6556122/Illinois/SERS-webinar-covers-return-to-work-rules-reciprocity-and-optional-COLA-buyout","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556122-97c0d5f306f3ce5457f559a645dd971a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146291&Signature=RRtbc-iVpQxLVFozTdxQZxU8IPtYhPQXt3JasJAbzKmAtat5cODo~xGApLr2rdJ2okCr3cq2HUAj1Z82FIx8I3DafZrEHjB09a8JxWu8yMS~FG3fuOyPkifoeemsYc~xMx3LH0B4X~qHHP8fV0WVvhzvLhlXFAtC2coxTBMvMEgPG9VYOpYThDi9FppD2cJFt2Qe-5DmGDPaYfMwvYGNnuIIoTZxBCpuBASO9VVMBNxfq7~62u0gikUKu4sLELPFdhWMlEwtuwVl~IVtEkfDpl0Tm-fway4ml6567gtSoU1fZjcn6cCF31SnlxkvEqJ9qH7xQxjvc0OZUX0qSbaHUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","State Employees Retirement System","date","2025-05-15T13:50:36.953Z","article","SERS presenter (Staff member, State Employees' Retirement System) explained rules that determine whether a SERS pension continues or is suspended upon returning to state employment, the mechanics of reciprocal retirement systems, and a tier 1 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) buyout option available to certain retirees.

Why it matters: Returning to work can suspend or end pension payments depending on appointment type and member tier; the COLA buyout option and reciprocity rules materially affect pension amounts and eligibility for future benefits.

The presenter said two return-to-work methods affect pensions differently: a nonpermanent appointment of 75 days or less (counting any part of a day as a full day) does not suspend pension payments, but retirees must track days carefully because pensions stop on the 76th day. Contractual personal services positions do not limit hours or suspend pensions in many cases, though exceptions apply for specific early-retirement incentive participants and certain tier 2 members. Permanent reemployment by the state suspends pension payments while working, requires contributions to SERS and Social Security, and earns additional service credit; after re-retirement the member must reapply for a new pension calculation.

On reciprocity, the presenter said Illinois's Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act allows service credit from participating public retirement systems to be combined when a member has pension credits in more than one system; members must submit a retirement application to each system and the systems exchange reciprocal information directly. Examples were shown demonstrating that using a higher final average compensation (FAC) from one system can increase pension amounts calculated for reciprocal service periods.

The presenter described a tier 1 COLA buyout option for members retiring between Dec. 1, 2018 and the current buyout availability date (presenter cited June 1, 2026): tier 1 members may elect to waive a 3% compounded COLA and instead receive a 1.5% noncompounded COLA plus a one-time lump-sum payment equal to 70% of the present-value difference between the two COLA streams (calculated by SERS actuarial assumptions). The buyout payment must be rolled to a qualifying retirement plan and is subject to IRS withholding rules. The presenter listed eligibility restrictions: must terminate service and be eligible to retire; cannot have previously received SERS retirement benefits; cannot elect level income, the Social Security offset removal, or the reversionary option; and may require permission from an alternate payee if a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) exists.

Attendees were told buyout payments will be issued as soon as possible but may take several months, and SERS will calculate amounts using current actuarial assumptions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pension Application Webinar","oneSentenceSummary","Presenter reviewed how returning to state employment affects SERS pensions (75-day rule, contractual reemployment, and permanent reemployment), reciprocity among Illinois public retirement systems, and the tier 1 COLA buyout option.","taxTitle","State Employees Retirement System, S, Boards and Commissions, Executive, Illinois","taxId",48444,"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},6556128,"SERS webinar details retiree insurance rules, TRAIL Medicare program and split-family coverage changes",566,2439000,3005000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db&start=2439&end=3005","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db/thumbnail_2439000.jpg","/articles/6556128/Illinois/SERS-webinar-details-retiree-insurance-rules-TRAIL-Medicare-program-and-split-family-coverage-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556128-62c5494cbc29708ce12161241266f7ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146291&Signature=ZdwCI0a5q3zqvmjUhpbttAbCFZz03h4lpCKaeWMHtOgLXwwFX6HWDCSy28W82Oi2aUAUY5qUuJgS4f1LJCiy8f29fQtPqCgCYTBa7Y7eQlCqAUQP5oDqdLL2MiSk44eRUwOdUKcKNsmBfveQDHuWcdUd40XjrcT7YGcbhhIKjcFKF5NXW9Ga~Z~FC02hDbj29bUruUOLO5TgfWixEW2xCEacIed3yqd83iUYLiEmxrXa4Y5QC0SuObYComVzqawF8DX~DF13hSP98TuW1QLiwdI0JoloUIUrQZXadzFUqd8pgLfgCVJlWd511ogovCyJexPAyiNoYxqGUoK44FHS0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SERS presenter (Staff member, State Employees' Retirement System) reviewed retiree group insurance administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), explained the TRAIL Medicare Advantage Program, described the opt-out cash incentive, and highlighted a split-family coverage rule taking effect July 1, 2025.

Why it matters: Insurance elections affect monthly premiums and coverage options for retirees and covered dependents; the TRAIL MAPD program and the split-family rule change how Medicare-eligible and non–Medicare-eligible dependents are covered and priced beginning July 1, 2025.

The presenter said SERS processes retiree insurance changes by submitting Form 3991 with the retirement packet; SERS opens a retirement event in MyBenefits after processing and retirees have 60 days from the retirement date to make coverage elections. Group insurance is administered by CMS and questions and plan changes are handled through MyBenefits (mybenefits.illinois.gov) or CMS call centers; the presenter provided CMS contact and Medicare coordination-of-benefits unit information.

The webinar explained the TRAIL (Total Retiree Advantage Illinois) Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) program for Medicare-eligible retirees and dependents, and said that open enrollment typically occurs in the fall with changes effective January 1. It also summarized premium-cost treatment: retirees with 20 or more years of service may have premiums fully picked up under some circumstances; retirees must have at least eight years of service credit to be eligible for state-covered insurance in retirement.

SERS described an opt-out financial incentive for members who decline state retiree coverage: eligible retirees who were previously covered by state insurance and have 20 or more years of service may receive $500 per month; members with fewer than 20 years of service who qualify may receive $150 per month. The presenter said these payments are administered through CMS, are not paid by SERS, and are not included in retirement annuity payments; SERS reviews eligibility and provides necessary CMS documents after processing.

The presenter highlighted a new split-family rule effective July 1, 2025: when a retiree and dependents include both Medicare-eligible and non–Medicare-eligible individuals and coverage level is member plus one dependent, the family may be placed on different plans (a retiree on TRAIL MAPD and a non–Medicare dependent on a regular retiree health plan). The presenter said split-family evaluations occur when coverage is member plus one dependent or when all covered dependents become Medicare-eligible; members with two or more dependents will remain on retiree health even if dependents have mixed Medicare eligibility.

Attendees were directed to consult the benefits choice booklet, MyBenefits, and CMS MCOB (Medicare Coordination of Benefits) unit for plan charts, premium tables and enrollment deadlines.","The presenter outlined retiree group insurance enrollment through Central Management Services, the Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (TRAIL) Medicare Advantage Program, an opt-out cash incentive, and a split-family coverage rule effective July 1, 2025.",{"_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},6556134,"SERS outlines \"level income\" option that temporarily raises pension before Social Security age",366,1123000,1489000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db&start=1123&end=1489","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db/thumbnail_1123000.jpg","/articles/6556134/Illinois/SERS-outlines-level-income-option-that-temporarily-raises-pension-before-Social-Security-age","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556134-e155a3c15691fa9f80549e1b98355466/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146291&Signature=XKHWkAITthdME-WToxVAE8vbGP6EUs195r7ajkszhO4am8Aq95sosdwGSGdo841O9Eu9uu-0HrMxdSd2zzLly66aoTISDSqvKHT~L9VR2rCoKqXAei0m4T98X~m5jnx8l4utiG42Dl~7oIkGVpe0iCparZlYux9YU-pm7DI8N8SO37CVhJ0PL~bMwKfXGsbpqYfEHngMluoH8PbR3S0kqUH5Nw5Jw1HqPZsEYhcNoTJ1oHgCaN~qF-M4oFJ7-hDxeKcRdjqlYeKNSOIy2jZXoToWtgMn105QcjYJaQdZeXy1QnWozSWM3MwMeJU0HzsyokaV02O8Rd0sLTPVq4d~zA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SERS presenter (Staff member, State Employees' Retirement System) explained the level income option, a choice that can increase a retiree's monthly SERS payment before the member reaches the Social Security age they select and that results in a pension reduction once Social Security eligibility begins.

Why it matters: Members who retire before their Social Security eligibility age may use level income to smooth household income in early retirement, but the election is irrevocable and requires a Social Security benefit estimate (Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement, or PEAP) to be provided at retirement.

Under level income, SERS pays the retiree's regular pension plus an additional amount based on an estimate of the member's future Social Security benefit until the elected Social Security age; at that point SERS permanently reduces the pension by the estimated Social Security amount. The presenter gave examples: a hypothetical retiree with a $2,000 monthly SERS pension retiring at 55 who elects level income at age 62 would receive an additional $536 per month from SERS until age 62, after which SERS reduces the monthly pension by the Social Security estimate (in the example $1,000) and the retiree begins collecting Social Security, keeping household income relatively steady.

The webinar stressed that members must obtain a signed and dated Social Security benefit estimate (PEAP) within approximately six months of retirement and include it with the retirement packet to qualify for level income. The presenter also said level income is not early access to Social Security benefits; SERS funds the temporary increase and the election is irrevocable. Members who choose level income remain responsible for applying for Social Security in a timely manner when they become eligible.

Attendees were directed to SERS online calculators and Social Security's website to request the PEAP and to sign and date printed statements before submission.","The webinar explained the level income option for members who paid into Social Security, where SERS temporarily increases pension payments before the retiree reaches Social Security age and reduces the pension later; the choice is irrevocable and requires a Social Security benefit estimate.",{"_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},6556139,"SERS explains survivor annuity options and Social Security offset at retirement",1229,723000,1952000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db&start=723&end=1952","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db/thumbnail_723000.jpg","/articles/6556139/Illinois/SERS-explains-survivor-annuity-options-and-Social-Security-offset-at-retirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556139-44fbae930f7d0fceb5fc58de9b6ce382/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146291&Signature=NwRTBnUsUhhj7G3gFJHW-KDTO0z0bo8uZp9dBOlftjbjV2dCW5hyQI8HLUAEbml0DbruYbAYopNwkQK523vM-mq0Wd81pmAPk9FcpvWA9OvtnOTGQPx0BtIA0MfZB3hAkDne8m~wBFb8AHeOux3hlBEf-c29QaqNndmemK4v4etUfJaaPL0FkaZZrJxRNq3FBqcqqap-keDeB4aU90ykMcgIh6pM6nao-phqK4SglhY~CBY9u2sR9Z1xW-5SLvIaQiM9ylupNzuvUYkDsIgI9E7MOQmfh1ElkQwivOC6t6q0Iwab7gEmmA80M0xuWy0J2ptGvBpMGTseB-MD30k6Yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SERS presenter (Staff member, State Employees' Retirement System) described survivor benefit options available at retirement and how Social Security survivor benefits can reduce the SERS survivor annuity, explaining the Social Security offset removal election and the separate reversionary annuity choice.

Why it matters: These elections change both the retiree's initial pension payment and the income a surviving spouse or designated dependent may receive; some elections are irrevocable and affect long-term household income and survivor payments.

The presenter explained the Social Security offset: SERS will compare the surviving spouse's Social Security benefit to the survivor annuity that would otherwise be paid. Members may elect to \"participate\" in Social Security offset removal at retirement by accepting a 3.825% reduction to their pension to guarantee a surviving spouse 50% of the retiree's pension at the time of death. If a member chooses not to elect removal, SERS will make the comparison at the time of death and apply any applicable offset at that time. The presenter emphasized that no offset applies if neither the member nor the spouse has paid into Social Security or if the spouse's Social Security benefit already exceeds the survivor annuity amount.

The webinar included numeric examples demonstrating how the offset operates across ages and Social Security entitlements and how reductions change over time as survivors gain their own Social Security eligibility. The presenter said all monthly annuity survivor benefits paid to a qualifying spouse are reduced by half of any survivor benefits payable through the Social Security Administration, and that SERS will not reduce the SERS benefit by more than 50%.

The presenter also described the reversionary annuity option, which is a separate, irrevocable election that permanently reduces a retiree's pension to provide lifetime income to a designated dependent. The reversionary option is elected by a separate form (not included in the packet) and is available in 10% increments up to 100%. The webinar provided examples: a 100% reversionary election produced a stated reduction to the retiree's monthly pension and paid the full pre-death pension amount as a reversionary benefit to the designated dependent, while SERS survivor benefits (subject to the Social Security offset rules and annual 3% cost-of-living adjustments) remain separate and may also pay to a qualifying spouse.

The presenter warned that both the Social Security offset removal election and the reversionary annuity option are irrevocable once chosen and that the reversionary amount does not increase with COLAs while survivor benefits do receive 3% annual increases.

Attendees were directed to include the relevant elections on the retirement application and to contact SERS for the separate reversionary form if they wish to elect that option.","Webinar detailed survivor benefit mechanics, Social Security offset removal election, and the reversionary annuity option that permanently reduces a retiree's pension to provide lifetime income to a designated dependent.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6556144,"Illinois SERS webinar outlines retirement application packet, timelines and required documents",4438,0,4438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db&start=0&end=4438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319482-39d9536eb289a7eca745c3017e7988db/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6556144/Illinois/Illinois-SERS-webinar-outlines-retirement-application-packet-timelines-and-required-documents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556144-951deb08d7fdd4239900b075ca582b58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146291&Signature=JAlyRE-FD-aiNLhbwj0kcQZhkuhEUK0R8F0a773GO86yazHy0lqxw7KP6vA4FvfkJZFbVXmIwrXWMhbdvPNCoXv3AbVZ-EiJyNtwRPgdBROTFEcxl30-Ty77sar92BOgzSDDBG1hqImWyMryFWGQ0j5k0bjiE1b9gZKvtse3Zvuwo39i9OpxTt2cRuSLF6U4-WVwRgklft2JDJv9f1c1Q-3TysTwo4vtHSqrk7NP7R6Lae1-865PCYM91SZ7Z0-MkpJGtNbWxh8RvQz0fjzjYewJgL89OtQAJjbghgD0~EPiUfgZ2vn2-tajnt2Z38O6qq1xTG5VDaJK4jdeCuTrag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SERS presenter (Staff member, State Employees' Retirement System) walked attendees through the retirement benefit application packet and the documents required to begin retirement processing, saying the system recommends submitting the packet 30 to 90 days before a planned retirement date.

The webinar summarized required forms and timing. The packet must include a completed, signed Form 3004 (retirement application); a photocopy of the retiree's birth certificate; Form 3991 (retiree insurance); Form 3967 (direct deposit agreement) with the financial institution section completed if applicable; and a W-4P federal withholding certificate for pension or annuity payments. The presenter said retirement documents received more than 90 days before the planned retirement date will be returned and that if a retiree changes their retirement date after submission, the application is valid for 90 days and then a new application is required.

Why it matters: SERS processes retirements on a strict monthly cadence — retirements and retiree insurance generally take effect the first of a month — so missing documentation or the required timing can delay benefits and insurance enrollment.

Key details reported in the webinar include: retirements are effective only on the first day of a month; SERS will process completed forms no sooner than two weeks before the retirement date, and forms received within or after two weeks of the retirement date are typically processed within five business days; the first pension payment is generally issued 8 to 12 weeks after the last day of employment; and original wet signatures are required on SERS forms (digital signatures are not accepted). The presenter also said retirees should use a personal email address for their SERS member services account because access to an employer-provided illinois.gov address ends at separation.

The webinar listed acceptable alternative proofs of birth if a birth certificate cannot be obtained: a signed state or county affidavit of no record plus supporting documents such as military records, marriage records that include date of birth, a valid passport, driver's license, church baptismal records, naturalization papers, or two or more documents showing date of birth. For member-dependents and beneficiary documentation, attendees were told to include marriage certificates, spouse birth certificates, death certificates or obituary for widows/widowers, and the front and back pages of divorce decrees when applicable.

The presenter explained the purpose of Form 3967 (direct deposit): because SERS is a separate agency from employing agencies, retirees must submit a new direct deposit form even if banking information did not change while working. The webinar reiterated that optional deductions and prior payroll deduction authorizations do not transfer automatically to SERS and must be resubmitted to SERS using the agency's required forms.

The session closed by noting delivery methods for returning packets — scanned email to the SERS email address, U.S. mail, or in-person drop-off — and provided general reminders about reviewing SERS FAQs and the benefits choice materials when preparing to retire.","A State Employees' Retirement System webinar reviewed required forms, document copies and timing for submitting a retirement application, stressing that retirements are effective only on the first of a month and that key forms require original signatures.","actionData","errors"]

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