If a member intends to retire under his or her employer's ERI program, the member must notify IMRF of his or her intention.
The member can either complete and mail IMRF Form 5.21, Notice of Intent to Retire Under IMRF ERI, (Exhibit 5C), or fax the Notice of Intent to IMRF at 630-368-5397.
The member can file the Letter of Intent with his or her application for retirement (IMRF Form 5.20, "Application for Retirement Annuity") and can also file the Letter of Intent as late as his or her retirement date. However, we encourage members to file a Letter of Intent (IMRF Form 5.21) as soon as his or her employer adopts the ERI and the member decides to retire under it.
Receipt of a notice does not guarantee eligibility for the ERI or for an IMRF pension.
As a general rule, a Notice of Intent is not a letter of resignation. Although a member may file a Notice, he or she is not required to apply for an IMRF pension. However, some employers may treat a Notice of Intent as a letter of resignation. Members should talk with their employers regarding this issue.
IMRF will acknowledge receipt of a member's notice of intent with a letter and the publication, Can I Afford to Retire? The member's employer will receive a courtesy copy of the acknowledgment letter.
Download and Print Form 5.20
Download and Print Form 5.21