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.

O

occupational disability benefit

A monthly benefit payable to a member who became disabled due to a work-related injury.

open access plan (OAP)

A managed care plan offered within the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program. Three benefit levels are offered through the OAP. The program offers two managed care networks with different providers and benefit levels (See HMO). Out-of-network benefits are also available to allow a greater flexibility in selecting care providers.

offset

A method of collecting monies owed by an individual or an organization conducting business with or receiving payments from the State of Illinois by diverting monies to be paid to the individual or organization through the Office of the Comptroller.

optional service

Service credit that may be purchased by eligible members or annuitants. Out-of-system service, military service, part-time service, substitute teaching prior to 1990, reinstatement of refunded service, pregnancy credit, adoption credit, periods of involuntary layoff, and leaves of absence are all optional service.

out-of-system service

Service available for credit in TRS that has been earned by teaching in a public school in another state or in Chicago, or a public common school operated under the auspices of the U.S. government or an agency or department of any other state.

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