| Tier 1 | Tier 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly survivor benefit | Generally 50% of the member's pension Tier 1 Guide p. 34, Types of Beneficiaries table and notes | Spouse: 66.67%. Other dependents: 50% Tier 2 Guide p. 33, Types of Beneficiaries table; TRS Illinois Tier 2 slides, slide 35 |
| On $56,100 a year | $2,338 a month | $3,117 a month to a spouse |
The dollar row is our illustration, using the pension in TRS Illinois's Tier 2 example. TRS Illinois Tier 2 slides, slide 17
Tier 1 details
Death of annuitant or inactive member with 20+ years: monthly benefit generally 50% of the member's earned benefit at death, plus a lump sum of $3,000 or 1/6 of the highest salary rate in the last four years (or $1,000). Death while employed: lump sum up to the highest salary rate in the last four years or $1,000, and a monthly benefit generally not less than $400 ($600 with minor children), or 50% of the earned annuity if greater. Tier 1 Guide p. 34, Types of Beneficiaries table and notes
Who qualifies for monthly benefits
Dependent beneficiaries qualify for monthly survivor benefits if the member had 1.5 years of TRS Illinois service and at least 60 days of creditable service in the 18 months before death; or the member was an annuitant (with service after July 24, 1959) or an inactive member with 20+ years. Tier 1 Guide pp. 33-34, Survivor benefits: Eligibility and table
Spouse/partner with minor children or age 50+: at death (active/inactive) or first of month after death (annuitant). Spouse under 50: when spouse turns 50 if married at least one year. Dependent parent: at 55. Tier 1 Guide p. 33, When Survivor Benefits Begin for Dependents
Refund to beneficiaries
Active/inactive: all retirement contributions plus interest and the annual-increase portion. Annuitant: remaining contributions after subtracting annuity payments received. Tier 1 Guide p. 33, Beneficiary Refund
Raises on survivor pensions
Survivor pensions get yearly raises too. See Yearly increases.
What the guides say
- TRS Illinois pays two kinds of death benefits: a refund of remaining contributions, and survivor benefits funded by your 1% contribution.Tier 1 Guide p. 32
- Tier 1: when a retiree dies, an eligible dependent generally gets a monthly benefit of 50% of the retiree's pension.Tier 1 Guide p. 34, Types of Beneficiaries
- Tier 2: an eligible spouse generally gets 66 2/3% of the member's pension; other dependents 50%.Tier 2 Guide p. 33; TRS Illinois Tier 2 slides, slide 35
- Monthly survivor benefits need 1.5 years of TRS Illinois service and 60 days of service in the 18 months before death (or the member was retired, or inactive with 20+ years). A spouse under 50 starts receiving them at 50.Tier 1 Guide pp. 33-34
- Nondependent beneficiaries receive a lump sum only.Tier 1 Guide p. 33
Questions
What does my spouse get if I die after retiring?
Generally a monthly benefit of 50% of your pension in Tier 1, or 66.67% for an eligible spouse in Tier 2, if they qualify as a dependent beneficiary.
Who counts as a dependent beneficiary?
Generally a spouse or partner, minor children, or a dependent parent, under the member guide's rules. Nondependent beneficiaries get a lump sum only.
What if I have no dependents?
At or after retirement you may take a refund of your 1% survivor contributions. Doing so gives up all survivor benefits.
Source: TRS Tier 1 and Tier 2 Member Guides, September 2026, Tier 1 Guide pp. 19, 32, 33, 34; Tier 2 Guide pp. 19, 33; Tier 2 meeting slide 35. Last reviewed .