Creating a New Account
How to start
Log on to trs.illinois.gov. Click on the left navigation bar link titled “Member Account Access.”
New user directions
The following screen will appear.
Click on the “New User” button.
The following screen will appear.
Please enter your Social Security number and birth date. If your Social Security number and birth date match those we have on file for you, a new page will open that will instruct you to create a user ID. After you create a user ID, you will receive a message stating “We have received your request. TRS will send you a letter containing your user ID and a system-generated password. Please allow three to five business days for delivery.”
Do not attempt to access your member account information until you receive your letter from TRS. Any attempt to access your account before receiving your letter may prevent you from accessing your account with the user ID and password contained in the letter.
Protecting your identity
Keeping your online personal record confidential is important to you and TRS. We mail your password and user ID to the address we have on file for you because e-mail is never a secure format for sending sensitive material. Although additional time is needed for the mail delivery, we have this process in place to ensure your TRS account reveals personal information only to you.
You may need to gather information before you can complete the estimate online. Please read this brochure carefully before you begin so you know what information is required.
Log on online
From the TRS Web site, trs.illinois.gov, click on the secure Member Account Access link in the left navigation bar. On the secure Member Account Access page, enter your user ID and password. Upon acceptance, your demographic information will be displayed. From this screen, select the benefit estimate link located on the bottom of the left navigation bar to begin.
Required information
The welcoming screen lists the order of the following requirements that will be requested during your estimate. It also informs you about the types of estimates that can be calculated online. Please review this list carefully and have the following information ready before you begin.
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Retirement date
For most members, your retirement date will be the day following your last day of work. However, the retirement date may be your birthday if you have to meet age eligibility requirements.
- Current salary
This screen explains definitions of salary and earnings. A history of all your years of service and salaries will be displayed. You will be allowed to enter your actual salary from your salary schedule. If your retirement date occurs after the expiration of your salary schedule, you can also project salaries based on a percentage of increase or a dollar amount.
Helpful hint: If the salary schedule amount is lower than the previous year’s salary, it probably does not include the TRS contributions. Please make sure that you include TRS contributions in your salary rate. Additionally, include any bonuses or severance payments. Another possible cause for a lower salary rate is cessation of an extra duty such as coaching, summer school, or activity sponsorship.
- Projected salaries
The estimate will assume that you maintain the same work schedule until your retirement date. If you are planning on changing from teaching to administration, your number of work days may change. You will be allowed to make those changes on the estimate system.
- Unused uncompensated sick leave days
These days also count as service credit. If you have any sick leave days that were reported by previous employers, they will be listed. Enter the number of sick leave days that you have accrued with your current employer. If you have service in other districts that have not reported unused sick leave days for you, please request a Former Employee Sick Leave Certification form by calling us at (800) 877‑7896.
Once all the required information is entered, you will be allowed to review it on a summary screen. If you entered any data incorrectly, you may change it at this point. When you are finished, press the “Save and View Estimate” button to view your benefit estimate. The final estimate may be printed for your records.
The Web estimates are in exactly the same format as estimates received from a TRS counselor or member service representative. If you have questions about a Web estimate, call us at (800) 877‑7896. We can view your Web estimate to help you.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact us.
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