When you retire from a CTPF-covered position, you may return to work for any employer not covered by the CTPF pension system without restriction.

Under the Illinois Pension Code, however, retirees cannot continue to
receive a pension if they return to work in a system covered by CTPF, except
in strictly limited circumstances, and provided the position is "temporary
and non-annual."

To provide guidance to retirees who may return to work, the CTPF Board of Trustees has adopted new re-employment rules. All retirees should read and understand these rules and the impact that returning to work can have on a pension. Click here for a copy of these rules.

ACTION ITEM: JUNE 2011 RETIREES

Members who retired this June must read these rules and complete CTPF Form 717, Acknowledgement of CTPF Re-Employment Rules.

The re-employment rules and Form 717 were recently sent to all members who have submitted retirement application packets for 2011. Please watch for these materials, read and return the requested information, no later than September 1, 2011. The form may be faxed to 312.641.7185 or mailed to CTPF, 203 North LaSalle Street, suite 2600, Chicago, Illinois  60601-1231.

Pensions will not be finalized until this form has been returned.

ACTION ITEM: If You Have Returned to Work

If you have returned to work in a position covered by CTPF, other than as a day-to-day substitute teacher, you must also complete CTPF Form 770, Notice of Return to Work. Click here for a copy of this form.

ALL RETIREES

A copy of the re-employment rules will be sent to all retirees in the Fall Pension News, which will mail in August. Please take the time to read and fully understand this new policy. Retirees who violate the return to work rules may have their pensions cancelled and be obligated to repay all benefits earned while working in a permanent or annual position.

During active service, members contribute to their own pensions and also to the cost of a survivor's pension. When a retiree dies, his legal spouse or partner to a civil union may be eligible to receive a survivor's pension for life.

A survivor's pension is 50% of the retiree's pension at the date of death
for Tier 1 employees and 66 2/3% at the date of death for Tier 2 employees.
The surviving spouse must be at least 50 years old to receive the pension unless minor children also survive. In order to qualify, the couple must
have been married or joined in a civil union for at least a year, prior to the member's death.

If you are not married or joined in a civil union when you retire, you will receive a refund of your survivor contributions.

Reestablishing a Survivor's Pension

Chicago Board of Education Announces Appointments 

The Chicago Board of Education has made two appointments to the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund Board of Trustees.

Andrea Zopp will serve as a trustee to fill the unexpired term of Alberto A., Carerro, Jr.  Trustee Zopp will serve from June 2011 until November 2012. She currently works as the president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League and holds a bachelor's degree and JD from Harvard University.

Rodrigo A. Sierra will serve as a trustee to fill the unexpired term of Peggy Davis. Trustee Sierra will serve from June 2011 until November 2011.  He is the senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Johnson Publishing Company, graduated from Northwestern University, and holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management.

"We would like to thank outgoing Trustees Carerro and Davis for their service to the fund," remarked Kevin B. Huber, executive director. "We welcome Trustees Zopp and Sierra and look forward to working with them."

The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund Board of Trustees has 12 members and includes 6 representatives elected by active teachers, 3 representatives elected by pensioners, 1 representative elected by principal/administrators, and 2 trustees appointed by the Board of Education. Find more information about upcoming trustee elections below.

Openings are still available at the following sessions (attend one):

July 12th: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

August 10th: 10 a.m. - 12 noon, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., or 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Seminars will be held in the CTPF office  203 North LaSalle Street, suite 2600  Chicago, IL  60601-1231

Reservations are required and are now being accepted. Call 312.641.4464 to register. See below for parking and transit information.