b'Welcome to CTPF!If you have recently joined a covered employer, CTPF welcomes you! Our Fund has supported teachers and ensured their financial wellbeing for 129 years, and we are happy to have you join us. As a CTPF member, you 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 with investment or market conditions.CTPF members do not contribute to Social Security during employment. Instead, each pay period, pension contributions are withheld by the employer and sent to CTPF. At retirement, CTPF calculates a pension forindividuals who meet eligibility requirements. Your retirement pension is:based on service credit, final average salary (FAS), and the pension multiplier paid throughout your lifetimeprotected from inflation with an annual increaseESTIMATING A PENSIONWondering what your retirement could look like? CTPFs online Monthly Pension Planner offers a rough estimate of your future monthly income. Visit ctpf.org/pensioncalculator and plug in your information. You will receive a quick estimate of your potential retirement income. RECIPROCAL PENSION Have you worked for another Illinois public pension system? The Illinois reciprocal act may allow you to combine your service credit. Visit the Reciprocal Systems section on ctpf.org for more information.SURVIVOR BENEFITSIf the unthinkable happens, your pension can protect your family. Your surviving spouse and/or minor children of both active and retired members may be eligible to receive survivor benefits which include:a portion of the deceased members pensiona lump-sum death benefit based on the members service and status as an active orretired employeeDURING YOUR TEACHING CAREER MAKE SURE YOU: Complete a CTPF Designation ofKeep your employer up-to-date with anyReview pay stubs to ensure Beneficiary form and update itchanges in your demographic information,pension contributions are as important life events occursuch as change of address, personal emaildeducted. Call your employers (marriage, civil union, birth of aaddress, or marital status. CTPF receivespayroll department in case of child, divorce, etc.) See page 5changes from the employer while you arean error.for details. an active teacher.Share your voice. CTPF is self-Register for myCTPF, the Funds Read Pension News, register for governing and there are six activeself-service portal where you can email updates at ctpf.org, and teachers, three retirees, one principal/ review your Annual Member follow us on social media, so you administrator, and two CPS appointedStatement, update some demographicreceive important updates and members on the Board. Vote in CTPFsinformation, or request a pension stay informed.Annual Trustee Elections, conducted inestimate (if you meet eligibility the fall, to elect your representatives requirements). to the Board. 4'