The largest amount payable throughout your lifetime. Death benefits still go to the beneficiaries named on your Beneficiary Designation form. Tier 1 Guide p. 18, Reversionary annuity; Tier 2 Guide p. 18
For TRS Illinois's Tier 2 example (30 years, $85,000 average, age 67): $4,675 a month. TRS Illinois Tier 2 slides, slide 17
Reduces your annuity to provide an additional monthly annuity to a designated dependent beneficiary after your death. Irrevocable; if the beneficiary dies first, the full annuity is restored the month after TRS Illinois receives the death certificate (no retroactive adjustment). Remaining contributions are not payable at death. Tier 1 Guide pp. 18-19, Reversionary annuity; Tier 2 Guide pp. 18-19
A reversionary annuity lowers your check to pay a survivor, but the guides don't say by how much.
What we use: We show the standard annuity only. Ask TRS Illinois for a reversionary estimate.
Survivor benefits come on top
Whichever option you pick, TRS Illinois's survivor and death benefits still apply. They're paid for by the 1% survivor contribution you make while working. See Survivor benefits.
If you have no dependent beneficiary, at or after retirement you may take a refund of the 1% survivor contributions; doing so waives all survivor benefits. Tier 1 Guide p. 19, Refund of survivor benefit contributions; Tier 2 Guide p. 19
What the guides say
- The standard annuity pays the most for your lifetime. Your named beneficiaries still get TRS Illinois death benefits.Tier 1 Guide p. 18, Reversionary annuity
- A reversionary annuity lowers your pension so a dependent beneficiary gets a monthly payment after you die. The choice is permanent, but your full pension comes back if that beneficiary dies first.Tier 1 Guide pp. 18-19; Tier 2 Guide pp. 18-19
- Check with TRS IllinoisTRS Illinois does not publish how much a reversionary annuity reduces your pension; ask TRS Illinois for an estimate.Tier 1 Guide pp. 18-19No factors in the saved sources.
- If you choose a reversionary annuity, the contributions left in your account are not paid out at your death. The reversionary beneficiary doesn't have to be the same person as your death benefit beneficiary.Tier 1 Guide p. 18, Reversionary annuity
- To qualify a beneficiary for a reversionary annuity, before you retire you must resign, return the Retirement Application naming the beneficiary, finish all required payments (such as optional service), and give proof of dependency.Tier 1 Guide p. 18, Qualifying the beneficiary
- Once chosen, the reversionary beneficiary can't be changed, and they don't have to still depend on you when you die. If they die first and you send a certified death certificate, your full pension returns the next month, with no back pay.Tier 1 Guide pp. 18-19
Questions
What payment options does TRS Illinois offer?
Two: the standard annuity, which pays the most for your life, and a reversionary annuity, which lowers your pension so a dependent beneficiary gets a monthly payment after you die.
How much does a reversionary annuity cost?
TRS Illinois doesn't publish the reduction in its member guides. Ask TRS Illinois for an estimate before you retire.
Does my family get anything if I take the standard annuity?
Yes. Survivor and death benefits are separate, paid for by the 1% survivor contribution. See the survivor benefits page.
Source: TRS Tier 1 and Tier 2 Member Guides, September 2026, Tier 1 Guide pp. 18, 19; Tier 2 Guide pp. 18, 19. Last reviewed .