When IMRF accepts your QILDRO, we will send an address verification to your alternate payee to make sure we have current contact information on file.
If your QILDRO contains dollar amounts only
If your QILDRO contains only dollar amounts, your QILDRO will remain on file until benefits are applied for. Once benefits are applied for, we will again send an address verification to your alternate payee to make sure the contact information we have on file is still current. If we do not receive a signed address verification form back from your alternate payee, we cannot pay them.
If your QILDRO contains percentages
If any part of your QILDRO contains percentages, once we accept your QILDRO we will generate a preliminary estimate of the benefits payable. This information will be sent to:
- You
- Your alternate payee
- The attorney of record
Your QILDRO will remain on file until benefits are applied for. At that time, we will notify you that we require the court-certified Calculation Order. We will also send you, your alternate payee, and the attorney information about your final benefit amounts that you will need to complete the Calculation Order.
When will we pay you and your alternate payee?
A QILDRO requires IMRF to split your IMRF benefit at the time it is paid to you. Your alternate payee cannot receive any payments from IMRF before you do, and can never “empty out” your IMRF account.
- An equivalent “lump sum value” of your retirement pension. By law you can never receive a lump sum payout for the value of your pension, so we do not provide an estimated lump sum value.
- Possible future events, other than your future estimated standard pension amount (if you are not yet retired). This projected amount only uses the total amount of service credit and contributions you have on file as of the date we calculate the estimate. It does not project future service credit, salary increases, purchases of service, etc.
| If you are… | And your QILDRO contains… | We will make payments to… |
|---|---|---|
| Retired | Flat dollar amounts only |
You: After we accept your valid QILDRO. |
| Retired | Any percentages |
You: After we accept your valid QILDRO*. |
| Not retired | Flat dollar amounts only |
You: After you apply for your benefits. |
| Not retired | Any percentages |
You: After you apply for your benefits*. |
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* If we do not have a valid Calculation Order, IMRF will review your QILDRO to see if we can begin paying you an estimated amount. If we are unable to estimate amounts based on your QILDRO, or if the benefit to be paid is a refund, we cannot pay you until we have received the valid, court-certified Calculation Order. |
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Lump sum death benefits |
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Can you change your QILDRO?
If your QILDRO was accepted by IMRF but the parties later want to change the terms, you can amend your original QILDRO. Once all parties agree on the changes, you will need to complete a new, court-certified QILDRO document. You must once again include a $50.00 processing fee.
Your amended QILDRO will not replace your original until it has been deemed valid and accepted by IMRF. If you don’t submit a valid second QILDRO, we are required by law to follow the instructions in the original QILDRO we have on file.
When does a QILDRO terminate?
A variety of situations can cause a QILDRO to terminate, including:
- When the full amount of the benefit has been paid.
- If there were a specific number of retirement benefits designated in the QILDRO and the amount of payments has been reached.
- If IMRF receives a valid court order that terminates the QILDRO.
- If the member is deceased (if death benefits were included in the QILDRO, they will be paid).
- If the alternate payee is deceased. (Any future payments would revert to you.)