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SERS explains how retirees can access online accounts and update records
Summary
The State Employees Retirement System reviewed how retirees and survivors can set up and use online member accounts, update contact and beneficiary information, and submit forms such as direct deposit and change-of-information requests.
A staff member with the State Employees Retirement System told a retiree workshop that the agency’s primary contacts are the call center at (217) 785-7444, the general email sers@srs.illinois.gov and the website srs.illinois.gov.
The presenter said those channels are the fastest way for retirees and survivors to request mailed items, update contact data and get access to online services that include annual benefit statements, direct deposit and benefit verification letters.
The workshop walked through steps to set up a member services online account. The presenter said SERS is moving to an Okta login that uses a one‑time six‑digit code sent by text, email or phone; new account setup also requires a mailed activation code from SERS. The presenter warned that each household member who is a state worker must register with a separate personal email address.
SERS staff reviewed common forms available on the online account under the “Forms and Applications” tab, including direct deposit forms (initial setup, changing account number with the same bank, and new‑bank forms that require a bank signature), the change of information form (501) and the beneficiary form. The presenter emphasized that SERS does not accept electronic signatures for many of these documents and requires a “wet” signature on printed forms.
Power of attorney and guardianship: SERS accepts financial/property powers of attorney and guardianship documentation for members who authorize a third party to act on their behalf; those documents must be submitted with the change‑of‑information form and relevant supporting paperwork.
The presenter also reviewed how SERS updates other agencies: changing a retiree address with SERS will also update MyBenefits for insurance mailing purposes, but retirees must separately update the Social Security Administration for Social Security mailings and Medicare enrollment.
For account access problems, retirees should contact the SERS call center or request mailed copies of annual statements or verification letters; SERS will require the address on file to be correct before reissuing mailed tax or income documents.
Resources: the presenter repeated the contact information and directed attendees to the retiree corner on srs.illinois.gov for videos and instruction sheets.
