When you retire, you will receive a Certificate of Benefits from IMRF, which details all of the information specific to your pension. This green and white document, which is mailed separately, contains useful information and should be kept with your other important papers.

Your Certificate of Benefits includes:

• the amount of your monthly pension
• the effective date of your pension
• the annual increase you can expect to receive next January* and every January thereafter

*Your increase for your first year of retirement will be prorated if your retirement date was not January 1.

As a retired member, you are guaranteed the return of all pension contributions you made as an active member and the interest which was credited to the date of your retirement. The Certificate of Benefits explains this guaranteed amount. If you should die before you receive the guaranteed amount, the balance will be paid as part of a surviving spouse pension or as a lump sum death benefit to your beneficiaries.

Also included on this Certificate is information regarding your survivor's benefit and amounts payable at your death to your spouse and/or beneficiaries.

The last section, "Income Tax Information," explains how your pension will be taxed.

If you are receiving a surviving spouse pension, you will receive a new Certificate of Benefits.