When can I expect to receive my first retirement check?

You should receive your first check within 60 to 90 days after TRS receives all the documents and payments that are required to calculate your retirement benefits.

I heard that you can retire at age 54.5 with 34 years of service credit. Is this true?

Yes, in some cases. If you are eligible for a pension of at least 74.6 percent of final average salary (34 years upgraded and electing the Early Retirement Option) and you attain age 55 between July 1 and December 31 during the year commencing on July 1, you will be considered age 55 on that June 1. Exceptions to this rule involve persons with reciprocal service in other Illinois pension systems where the accrual rate is less than 2.2 percent per year of service in those systems.

What about the "round up" feature?

For persons who are eligible to receive at least 74.6 percent of final average salary, the law allows TRS to round your benefit up to a full 75 percent.

Can I still teach after I retire?

Yes. Following the school year in which you last contributed to TRS, you may be employed in a TRS-covered position for up to 120 paid days or 600 paid hours per school year and still receive a retirement annuity. You cannot return to work in the same school year that you last contributed to TRS and you must wait 30 calendar days before returning to work with the same employer.

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