The following definitions are provided to help you understand terms we regularly use in our seminars, correspondence, and publications. These definitions are general, not technical, in nature. For detailed definitions, please see the Illinois Pension Code, Article 16.

G

General Assembly

The official name of the legislature of the State of Illinois.

guardian

A court-appointed representative of a minor or a disabled individual. A guardian is not necessarily a relative of the individual. A guardian may also represent an estate.

Government Pension Offset (GPO)

A reduction in the spousal Social Security benefits to a person who receives a pension from a retirement system that is not covered by Social Security. The reduction may result in no Social Security benefit. Also known as the spousal offset.