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.

W

W-4P form

An annuitant request for withholding form. The form is used for federal withholding purposes only.

warrant

An order (check) drawn by the Office of the Comptroller, co-signed by the State Treasurer, and paying a specified amount to the person or entity named. TRS benefits and refunds are paid by state warrants.

Warrant Action Request

A preprinted form sent to the Office of the Comptroller to stop, hold, or replace a warrant.

windfall elimination provision

A reduction in the first tier of Social Security benefits payable to a person who receives a pension from a retirement system that is not covered by Social Security.

withholding

Amounts deducted from TRS benefit payments for federal or state income taxes. TRS is required to withhold for federal taxes unless the annuitant files a W4-P form specifying no withholding. If requested, TRS will withhold income taxes for surrounding states. In addition, even though some pension benefits are not subject to the Illinois income tax, TRS will withhold for Illinois income tax upon request.