Tier 1

Tier 1 members in Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois first contributed to TRS before Jan. 1, 2011 or have pre-existing creditable service with a reciprocal pension system prior to Jan. 1, 2011.

Spring 2022 Retirements

If you are planning to retire in 2022, we encourage you to watch the virtual “It’s Time to Retire” meeting. The recorded meeting is designed to explain how to initiate the retirement process. We review retirement paperwork and provide members with valuable information about TRIP health insurance and post-retirement employment. 

Watch the Video

"It's Time to Retire" presentation

Download the Booklet

"It's Time to Retire" Meeting booklet

6 - 12 Weeks Before Retirement

• Complete the Personalized Retirement Interview by calling us, (877) 927-5877.
• An appointment is not necessary.
• You’ll be asked a few questions that will complete information in the retirement packet for you. You will receive the packet within 15 working days.
• If you have reciprocal service, you also will need to call the other retirement system(s) to apply.

Retirement Time Line Checklist for Tier 1 Members

• Tier 1 Retirement Time Line Checklist

Private School Service Credit

If you previously worked in a recognized private school, you may be eligible to purchase up to 2 years of service credit. Call us at (877) 927-5877, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, to request a Recognized Illinois Non-public Service Certification form. Retired members are not eligible for this credit.

TRS Benefits Reports Online

Active and inactive members may sign in online to view their service credit, refundable contributions, beneficiary refunds, beneficiaries, sick leave service, and 2.2 upgrade information. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information in your report. While believed correct, unintended errors may occur. It is your responsibility to carefully review all information. If you find any discrepancies, please contact our Member Services Division at (877) 927-5877 so that your record may be corrected.

Retirement Eligibility

In addition to terminating service, you must meet one of the following age and service credit requirements to be eligible to retire:

* If you are eligible to receive a retirement annuity of at least 74.6 percent of the final average salary and will reach age 55 between July 1 and Dec. 31, we consider you to have attained age 55 on the preceding June 1.

* If you are a TRS member currently employed by a state of Illinois agency, you may retire under the Rule of 85 if you meet eligibility criteria. Contact TRS to see if you qualify.