Your TRS Illinois pension and Social Security

Active TRS Illinois members do not contribute to Social Security on TRS-covered earnings. TRS Illinois never reduces benefits because of Social Security. The Social Security Fairness Act changed the WEP and GPO; contact SSA. Tier 1 Guide p. 26, Ch. 13 Medicare and Social Security; TRS Illinois Tier 2 slides, slide 47

Public employees hired after March 31, 1986 pay the 1.45% Medicare tax (employer pays 1.45% too). Tier 1 Guide p. 26, Medicare; Tier 2 Guide p. 25

What the guides say

• Illinois teachers do not pay into Social Security on TRS-covered pay. Teachers hired after March 31, 1986 pay the 1.45% Medicare tax.Tier 1 Guide p. 26, Ch. 13
• TRS Illinois never reduces your pension because of Social Security. The Social Security Fairness Act changed the WEP and GPO rules; ask the Social Security Administration about your own benefit.Tier 1 Guide p. 26; TRS Illinois Tier 2 slides, slide 47
• Retirees who go back to teaching after March 31, 1986 also pay the 1.45% Medicare tax (and so does the employer), however few days they teach. They don't pay Social Security tax on that work.Tier 1 Guide p. 26, Medicare; Social Security
• Free Medicare Part A at 65 comes with 40 Social Security credits, from paying the Medicare tax on covered work, or through a spouse with 40 credits who is at least 62 (or a late Social Security-covered spouse). Without it, Part A can be bought with a monthly premium.Tier 1 Guide p. 26, Medicare
• You need both Medicare Part A and Part B to enroll in the TRIP TRAIL Medicare Advantage plan. Part B is optional and bought separately with a monthly premium.Tier 1 Guide p. 26, Medicare
• You can still earn Social Security credits from other jobs not covered by TRS Illinois. A Social Security Statement at ssa.gov shows your earnings, your credits and an estimate if you have enough credits.Tier 1 Guide p. 26, Social Security

Questions