Topics & Report

              Contents
Page 2
Spring Legislative Update
Page 3
State Makes Full Contribution to TRS
TRS News Goes Green
Investment Gains in 2009
Page 4
Exceed Post-Retirement Limitations = Lose Pension
Page 5
PDP Ends June 30, 2010
Benefit Choice Goes Green
Page 6
Law Protects Contributions from Creditors
10 Retirement Process Steps
Page 7
Field Trip of Dreams Grantedtopics &report
Involuntary Layoff and RIF Service Credit Available
Spring may bring thousands of statewide teacher layoffs
Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois
Spring 2010
Retirement Security for Illinois Educators
During this time of economic downturn, many school dis­tricts are unable to maintain programs or staff levels due to funding cuts. This may result in a teacher’s employment termina­tion called an involuntary layoff or reduction in force (RIF).
If you are involuntarily laid off, you may purchase up to three years of service credit upon meeting eligibility requirements. You may wish to purchase the service to avoid the loss of credit(s) for your retirement benefit. RIF credit may only be attained by teachers. The Illinois
How to Apply for Service Credit
1. Upon receiving notice from your employer, mail TRS a copy of your RIF notifica­tion letter that indicates the dismissal is honorable and the reason for the dismissal. The letter will be placed in your file.
2. After you are rehired or in the winter of 2011, contact TRS. Address an e-mail to members@trs.illinois.gov with Involuntary Layoff Certification Form Request in the subject line. In the body of the message, type your full name, zip code, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Also include the fiscal year that you were laid off and your school district’s name. You may also call us at (800) 877-7896 with this information.
3. TRS will mail you the Invol­untary Layoff Certification form. It is not available online because the form is specifically bar coded and tracked for you within the TRS computer system.
4. Sign and date the form.
5. As the final step, provide the form to the employer for School Code section that dis­cusses layoffs does not cover administrators.
An involuntary leave does not include nonrenewal of employ­ment, dismissal for cause, or other performance-related rea­sons. An involuntary layoff occurs when a member’s employ­ment is terminated as a result of a reduction in force due to the following reasons:
• lack of funding,
• lack of work,
• an elimination of position, or
• a material reorganization.
In general, the amount due for the service credit is equal to the con­tributions that would have been required if the service had been earned under TRS, plus interest.
To purchase the credit, you must return to a position cov­ered by TRS or State Universities Retirement System (SURS) fol­lowing the RIF. You must also establish credit for at least the period of the leave or one year, whichever is less. Due to these requirements, the earliest the cost of a spring 2010 RIF can be calculated will be winter 2011.
Service Credit continued on page 2