Complete a CTPF Designation of 
Beneficiary form and update it as 
important life events occur 
(marriage, civil union, birth of a 
child, divorce, etc.)
Keep your employer up-to-date with any 
changes in your demographic information, 
such as change of address, personal email 
address, or marital status. CTPF receives 
changes from the employer while you are 
an active teacher.  
Register for myCTPF the Fund’s self-
service portal, where you can review 
your Annual Member Statement, which 
gives a snapshot of your pension 
benefits at the end of the prior fiscal 
year. You can also request a pension 
estimate (when you are eligible) and 
add your email.   
Review pay stubs to ensure
pension contributions are 
deducted. Call your employer’s 
payroll department in case of
an error.  
Share your voice. CTPF is self-
governing and there are six active 
teachers, three retirees, one principal/
administrator, and two CPS appointed 
members on the Board. Vote in CTPF’s 
Annual Trustee Elections, conducted in 
the fall, to elect your representatives 
to the Board. 
Read Pension News, register for 
email updates at myCTPF.org and 
follow us on social media, so you 
receive important updates and 
stay informed.
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 for individuals who meet eligibility requirements. 
Your retirement pension is:  
•  based on service credit, final average salary (FAS), and the pension multiplier 
•	paid throughout your lifetime  
•	protected from inflation with an annual increase
ESTIMATING A PENSION  
Wondering what your retirement could look like? CTPF’s 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 BENEFITS  
If 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 member’s pension  
•	 a lump-sum death benefit based on the member’s service and status as an active or  
    retired employee  
If you have recently joined a covered employer, CTPF welcomes you! 
Our Fund has supported teachers and ensured their financial wellbeing for 131 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.
DURING YOUR TEACHING CAREER MAKE SURE YOU: !
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