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.

P

PDP, Payroll Deduction Program

A program that allows full-time teachers to purchase optional service or 2.2 upgrades, to reinstate previously refunded service, or to pay for an estimated ERO cost through irrevocable regular installments deducted on a before-tax basis from their paychecks and remitted to TRS.

The program will end in June 2010; affected members will be notified by TRS. The deadline for new enrollments has passed.

part-time contractual teacher

A teacher employed in a TRS-covered position less than four clock hours per day or less than five days per week. The teacher has an employment agreement to work a specified period of time, and an annual salary rate can be established for the position.

part-time noncontractual teacher

A teacher employed on an as-needed basis in a TRS-covered position less than four clock hours per day or less than five days per week. The teacher is paid on an hourly or daily basis, and an annual salary rate cannot be established for the position (e.g., homebound teachers, tutors).

pending service

Requested optional service that has been verified by TRS but has not been paid for.

pick up

A form of tax sheltering. Employee payments or contributions are treated for tax purposes as if the employer makes the contribution.

post-retirement employment limitations

Following the school year in which a member ceased contributing service, an annuitant 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 TRS retirement annuity. The 120 paid days and 600 paid hours will revert to 100 paid days and 500 paid hours after June 2011.

post-retirement increase

A statutorily provided annual increase added to an annuitant’s gross monthly benefit.

power of attorney

An instrument in writing whereby one person appoints another as his or her agent and confers authority to perform certain specified acts or kinds of acts.

proportional annuity

An annuity payable by two or more reciprocal retirement systems, reduced so as not to exceed the maximum benefit payable by either system.

PRI, personalized retirement interview

A telephone and Web-based counseling and intake program for a member applying for a retirement annuity. Upon completion, TRS generates all necessary forms, completes all available information on the forms, and mails the forms to the member for signature.

Public Act

Legislation that has become law by being passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate and signed by the governor.

Back to top