Retirement Planning

Retirement Planning Workbook

The State Universities Retirement System of Illinois (SURS) provides retirement, disability, death, and survivor benefits to eligible SURS participants and annuitants. SURS members must choose one of three retirement options:

1. Traditional Benefit Package,
2. Portable Benefit Package, or
3. Self-Managed Plan (SMP).

As a new member of SURS, you must choose a retirement plan within the first 6 months of your employment. Your choice will depend on the types of benefits you wish to receive in the future, as well as the amount of personal involvement you want in determining where and how your contributions are invested.

To help you with your decision, SURS has created Retirement Choice Election Book. It is intended to provide you with guidance and an overview of important investment concepts. Please read the workbook thoroughly and take time to understand the information it contains. If you have questions, please contact us.