b'NEW TO CTPF?If youre a new educator or member of the Fund, welcome to CTPF. Your pension, administered by CTPF is one of your most important financial assets. At the beginning of your career, it may be hard to picture yourself retired. Yet, planning for retirement should begin on the first day of employment.DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN CTPF members participate in a defined-benefit retirement plan, which offers a secure retirement income for life. Once earned, a pension does not lose value or change withDuring your teaching career make sure that you: investment or market conditions. CTPF members do notComplete a CTPF Designation of Beneficiary form and contribute to Social Security during employment. Instead, each pay period, pension contributions are withheld by the1 update it as important life events occur (marriage, civil employer and sent to CTPF. At retirement, CTPF calculates aunion, birth of a child, divorce, etc.). The lump-sum pension for retirees that meet the eligibility requirements.death benefit is paid according to the Designation on file Your retirement pension is:at CTPF at the time of a members death. This form isbased on service credit, final average salary (FAS),available on ctpf.org under Forms & Publications.and the pension multiplierKeep your employer up-to-date with any changes in yourpaid throughout your lifetimeprotected from inflation with an annual increase2 demographic information, such as change of address or marital status. CTPF receives changes from the employer ESTIMATING A PENSIONwhile you are an active teacher.Wondering what your retirement could look like? CTPFsRegister for myCTPF the Funds self-service portal where online Monthly Pension Planner offers a rough estimate of3 you can review your Annual Member Statement and your future monthly income. Visit ctpf.org/pensioncalculatorrequest a pension estimate (when you are eligible).and plug in your information. RECIPROCAL PENSION 4 Review pay stubs to ensure pension contributions are Have you worked for another Illinois public pension system?deducted. Call your employers payroll department in The Illinois reciprocal act may allow you to combine yourcase of an error. service credit. Visit the Reciprocal Systems section onReview the information sheet Maximizing Your Pension ctpf.org for more information.5 to better understand opportunities to purchase service SURVIVOR BENEFITScredit and increase your pension benefit. If the unthinkable happens, your pension can protect yourConsider the benefits of reciprocity. If you earned service family. Your surviving spouse and/or dependent minor6 credit in another Illinois public retirement system, review children of both active and retired members may qualify tothe Reciprocal Systems section on ctpf.org. or contact receive survivor benefits which include:CTPF to discuss your options.a portion of the deceased members pensiona lump-sum death benefit based on the members7 Share your voice. Vote in CTPFs Annual Trustee Elections, service and status as an active or retired employeeconducted in the fall. Read Pension News and register for email updates at 8 ctpf.org. STAY INFORMED Review your Annual Member Statement, which is mailed The website ctpf.org is the Funds9 each fall and provides a snapshot of your pension primary information site and includesbenefits at the end of the prior fiscal year.publications, information sheets, a retirement calculator, calendar of10 Follow us on social media and register your email address upcoming events including educationalso you receive important updates and stay informed. seminars, and current news about your pension and future benefits. 5'