b'! based on service credit, final average salary (FAS), and the pension multiplier WE If you have recently joined a covered employer, CTPF welcomes you! Our Fund has supported teachers and ensured their financial wellbeing for L 130 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 C retirement income for life. Once earned, a pension does not lose value or O change with investment or market conditions.M 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. E At retirement, CTPF calculates a pension for individuals who meet eligibility requirements. Your retirement pension is: paid throughout your lifetimeTO protected 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. CTPF 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 sec-tion on ctpf.org for more information.SURVIVOR BENEFITSIf the unthinkable happens, your pension can protect your family. Your surviving spouse and/or minor chil-dren 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 self- Read Pension News, register for governing and there are six activeservice portal where you can reviewemail updates at myCTPF.org and teachers, three retirees, one principal/ your Annual Member Statement, whichfollow us on social media, so you administrator, and two CPS appointedgives a snapshot of your pensionreceive important updates and members on the Board. Vote in CTPFsbenefits at the end of the prior fiscalstay informed.Annual Trustee Elections, conducted inyear. You can also request a pension the fall, to elect your representativesestimate (when you are eligible) and to the Board.add your email. 5'