Retirement Planning

Eligible Illinois State University employees will pay into the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS provides retirement, disability, death, and survivor benefits to eligible SURS participants and annuitants. Contributions to SURS are mandatory.

• SURS Retirement Plans
• SURS phone number: 1-800-275-7877

Eligible employees also have the option of participating in two supplemental retirement savings plans: the 403(b) plan and the 457 plan.

Social Security

Prospective employees should be aware that since Illinois State University does not participate in the retirement portion of Social Security, receipt of a SURS annuity may reduce, or eliminate entirely, his or her Social Security benefit at retirement under the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset. If you receive an annual Social Security Statement, it does not take either of these provisions into account.

• Windfall Elimination Provision
• Government Pension Offset

Visa Status

Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to participate in SURS if they hold a certain visa and have not yet established residency status for tax purposes.

Employees who hold an F-1 or J-1 visa are encouraged to contact the Non-Resident Alien Tax Specialist in the Comptroller's Office at (309) 438-3106 for assistance in determining eligibility.