Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Q: I am terminating employment with Cook County, what are my options with the pension fund?
A: You may be eligible for a refund or an annuity. Also there are other considertaions you should be aware of, see our Understanding Your Options webpage.

Q: Where can I get information regarding my retirement plan choices?
A: You may request a copy of the Pension Booklet from the Pension Fund office or from your department’s Human Resources department. In addition you can navigate our website for information on your benefits.

Q: What type of plan is the pension plan?
A: Your pension plan is a 401(a) plan. The mandatory 8.5% employee contribution is made on a pre-tax basis. This means that you do not pay income tax on your contribution.

Q: Can members borrow from their pension plan?
A: No. By law you are not allowed to borrow from or against your pension plan. Once you become an active contributing member of the pension plan, the only two actions that can be taken are a full refund (applicable provision apply) or annuity payments (provided that you have retired and fulfill the annuity eligibility requirements).

Q: Can members withdraw from their pension plan while working?
A: No. Only members that have separated from service are allowed to withdraw their money.

Q: How do I enroll into the pension plan?
A: Pursuant to Illinois Pension Code, you are automatically enrolled in the pension plan with an 8.5% payroll deduction.

Q: How do I submit a change of address?
A: The Fund can only permanently change the address of annuitants. If you are still an active employee, you must change your address with your payroll department or timekeeper. You can download a change of address form. You must submit the completed change of address form in person, by mail or fax to the Fund.

Q: How do I find out if my current or previous employer is/was part of the reciprocal system?
A: The Reciprocal Funds are listed here: http://www.cookcountypension.com/retiree_benefits/reciprocal_systems.aspx

Annuity

Q: My late spouse was a member, what benefits am I entitled to?
A: Provided that your spouse was either an actively employed member or a retired member at the date of their death, you may be entitled to a monthly annuity as well as health insurance benefits through the Pension Fund. Please contact the Fund for further information.

Q: I just applied for retirement, how can I find out how much money I can expect?
A: You are encouraged to contact the Fund prior to terminating your employment. Our retirement counselors can walk you through your options and provide you an annuity estimate. Please contact us for further information.

Q: Why haven’t I received a pension check this month?
A: If you don't receive your check after 10 days, please contact us for a lost check form. If you have not received your direct deposit, contact your bank for further assistance.

Q: Can I receive credit for my unused Sick Days?
A:

You can purchase unused sick days within 30 days after you separate from employment with Cook County. To do so you will need a signed letter from your timekeeper with the number of unused sick days you have as of separation.

It is generally 22 days for each month of pension credit and you will be required to pay the 8.5% contribution on the sick days. When you bring your letter to our office a counselor will be able to tell you the cost to purchase sick days and the additional benefit you would receive.

Q: What is Optional? Can I pay for it?
A: The "Optional Plan", when active, provided the member with the "option" to have an additional 3% withheld from their salary to provide an additional 1% annuity benefit for every year they contributed to the Pension fund. The plan was active from April 1986 to June 2005. Payments can no longer be made.

Planning To Retire

Q: How long does it take to process an annuity application?
A: Annuity applications take 10-12 weeks from date of retirement to process.

Q: How long do I have before I’m eligible to receive an annuity?
A: In general, if you meet minimum criteria of having 10 years of service and at least 50 years of age, you are eligible for a monthly annuity.

Q: What documents do I need to apply for retirement?
A: We will need the following:

your birth certificate
your spouse’s birth certificate and marriage certificate (if married)
any death certificates (if widowed)
any divorce decrees (if divorced)
birth certificates of any dependents you would like to cover for health insurance (if applicable)
Anyone over 65 that you wish to cover under health insurance needs proof of Medicare Part A and B or written certification from the Social Security Administration that you are ineligible for Medicare Part A.

Q: How far in advance should I complete my Retirement Annuity Application?
A: It is generally best to complete your application 30-60 days prior to your retirement. Note that we do not accept applications more than 90 days in advance of retirement.

Health Benefit

Q: How do I cancel or make changes to my retiree Health Benefit?
A: You can make changes to your health benefit during the annual open enrollment period OR at any time during the year, if you experience a qualified change. If you do experience a qualified change, please contact the Fund to request a suspension of coverage form. You may refer to the Health Benefit Handbook for more information.

Q: When is Open Enrollment?
A: HB Open Enrollment occurs during the month of November each year. The Fund hosts an Open Enrollment Meteting each year during the enrollment period.

Q: Will my Health & Group Benefits change now that I’ve retired?
A: Upon retirement, you can elect COBRA (continuation of your active health benefits) OR, if eligible, elect to enroll into the retiree health and group benefit. Please contact us for further information.

Q: When I reach 65, I will not have enough credits to receive Medicare. Will I still be able to obtain health insurance through the Fund?
A: Yes, if you are not eligible for Medicare, you will need to present a "letter of determination" to the Fund indicating that you are ineligible for Medicare. The Fund will then allow you to retain full (non-Medicare) Health Benefits coverage.

Disability

Q: How is my pension benefit affected now that I'm on disability?
A: While you are on disability, pension contributions are made for you as though you are working, and you receive all pension credit as though you were working.