6.30 To Close an Account

3. Members changing pension systems

A termination of IMRF participation must be filed when members are required to participate in another Illinois public pension system. For example: school employees who change positions to become teachers must change from IMRF to the State Teachers’ Retirement System.

Go to the Employer Access area to Terminate IMRF Participation

If a member continues to be employed by the same employer, the member is not eligible for a separation refund A member can receive a separation refund-a return of all his/her member contributions without interest-under certain conditions. If a member takes a refund, the member forfeits all of the service credit he/she earned..

However, if the member has participated in IMRF for 12 or more months (or believes he or she will return to IMRF participation to attain 12 or more months of service credit Service credit is a member's total time under IMRF, stated in years and fractions. Service is credited monthly while a member is working, receiving IMRF disability benefits or while he or she is on IMRF's Benefit Protection Leave. A member earns one month of service credit for each month he or she: (1) works in a qualified position and makes a member contribution. (2) worked in a qualified position prior to his or her employer joining IMRF. (3) receives an IMRF disability benefit. (4) is on an IMRF Benefit Protection Leave (limited to 12 months). (5) purchases a month of past service credit. A member cannot earn more than one month of service credit for any given calendar month.), his or her contributions can be used in the calculation of a reciprocal pension. The member will fall under the rules of the Illinois Retirement Systems’ Reciprocal Act (see 5.50 Reciprocity ).

Related Topics