Economic activity happens when goods and services are bought and sold in a community, state, or country. When IMRF pays retirement or disability benefits, the money that goes to retirees or members is used to buy goods and services.
The example below demonstrates how payments to IMRF retirees increase economic activity in communities across Illinois.
Over 82% of IMRF retirees live in Illinois. IMRF’s 2025 Economic Impact Study shows that IMRF provided a total of $3.34 billion in benefits with more than $2.8 billion in benefits paid to Illinois residents last year.
The map below shows how IMRF benefits are distributed across the state to members and retirees in every county.
IMRF uses information from the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce to determine the overall impact benefit payments have on the economy.
IMRF payments generated $3.95 billion in economic activity, with over $2.01 billion added to the Illinois economy. Additionally, economic activity generated from benefit payment helped create 26,274 jobs.
