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Rules reviewed August 2026

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IL

Illinois teacher retirement system

TRS Illinois pension guide

Tier 1 and Tier 2 eligibility, the 2.2 formula, refunds, survivor benefits and post-retirement employment.

Tier depends on first contribution dateFormula generally uses 2.2%Maximum formula benefit is 75%

Complete topic cluster

4 guides, one connected system

Visit the official TRS Illinois site ↗
Two distinct Illinois teacher pension tier pathways with different steps and caps01

Membership tier

Illinois TRS Tier 1 vs. Tier 2

Compare vesting, retirement ages, salary limits and benefit rules for Illinois teachers.

4 min readUpdated August 19, 2026
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Illinois service and salary inputs producing a pension stack beneath a maximum cap02

Benefit formula

Illinois TRS 2.2 Benefit Formula Explained

Calculate an illustrative Illinois teacher pension and understand final average salary and the 75% maximum.

4 min readUpdated August 19, 2026
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An Illinois retirement account branching between preserved service and a refund tray03

Leaving employment

Illinois TRS Refund After Leaving Teaching

Understand the contributions returned, benefits forfeited and comparison vested members should make before applying.

4 min readUpdated August 19, 2026
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An Illinois pension benefit linked to a work desk through a measured return-to-work gate04

After retirement

Working After Retirement Under Illinois TRS

Current post-retirement employment limits, termination rules and situations that can suspend an Illinois teacher pension.

4 min readUpdated August 19, 2026
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