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.

M

Medicaid

A joint program of the state and federal governments that provides medical assistance to the indigent.

Medicare

A program of the United States government that provides hospital and medical coverage to members, their survivors, dependents, and certain former spouses.

member

An active or inactive statutorily defined teacher who is required to make contributions to TRS and whose contributions remain in TRS with potential to provide a benefit at retirement.

Member Guide

An explanation of the benefits available to TRS members and annuitants that is available in booklet form or via the Internet.

member ID

The five- or six-digit number that is used in lieu of the Social Security number to identify a TRS participant's record.

Member Information and Beneficiary Designation (MIBD) form

The MIBD form is completed by new members entering TRS. It also allows members and annuitants to designate beneficiaries to receive a death refund and survivor benefits when the member or annuitant dies.

For a change of address, members and annuitants should complete a Change of Address form instead of an MIBD form. An MIBD form used for a change of address must be completed fully, even if the beneficiary designation has not changed.

military service

Time spent in active duty in any branch of the U.S. military armed forces. Under certain conditions, military service may be verified and purchased as optional service.

minor child

An unmarried, under age 18 child of a member or an annuitant.

miscellaneous deduction

Any one of a number of deductions that can be requested for insurance, credit unions, levies, or professional organizations. These deductions are taken from the monthly annuity or benefit.

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