If you do not have your pension payment directly deposited, once you receive your first pension check, you can expect to receive a check at the beginning of each month. The check that you receive around the first of the month will be for that month.

Keep the stub

Your monthly pension checks will be a “self-mailer.” The check and envelope will be one piece. You simply tear off the envelope’s perforated edges and detach your check. Each self-mailer will also include a check stub which is intended for your record keeping. This check design provides a large, easy-to-complete address change form.

Check mailing date

Monthly pension checks are always dated the first of the month. They are mailed from Oak Brook three calendar days prior to the first of the month. We ask that you wait until the 15th of the month before contacting IMRF about a missing check. This will allow sufficient time for postal delays that are beyond our control. For specific mailing dates, see the check mailing schedule.

Remember: checks are valid on the check date—not the mailing date.

Lost checks

If you do not have your pension payment directly deposited, please wait until the 15th of the month or later before contacting IMRF about a missing check.

You can call and request a replacement check application, or you can write us. If you write us, please be sure to identify the missing payment by date. Also include your name, Social Security number, address, and signature. A stop payment will be placed upon the original check upon receipt of your request. Upon confirmation from the bank, we will mail you a replacement check.

Should you receive the original check in the meantime, please call our office. You may or may not be able to cash the original check—that depends on how far along we are in processing your replacement check. If the original check turns up after you receive the replacement check, please return it to our office.

Other “lost” checks

Failure to notify IMRF of an address change can result in a “lost” check. The post office will forward your pension check to your new address, but only for a limited period of time. To avoid delivery delays, please be sure to submit written address changes promptly.