TRS Illinois Survivor Benefits How to Claim: Forms, Documents, and Steps

You Don't Download the Claim Form — TRS Sends It to You

One of the most common points of confusion: the official Survivor Benefits Application isn't a form you can pull from the TRS website. After you report the death by calling TRS at (877) 927-5877, TRS audits the member's file — checking the Beneficiary Designation form on record, any active QILDROs, and tier status — then mails a personalized Survivor Benefits Claim Packet to all named primary beneficiaries.

That packet contains the actual application forms tailored to the specific member's situation. Wait for it before trying to gather everything — it tells you exactly what TRS needs from you.

The Documents You'll Need

While you're waiting for the claim packet, start assembling these:

Everyone needs: A certified copy of the death certificate issued by the county clerk or state department of public health, with cause and manner of death specified.

Spouses and civil union partners: A certified copy of the marriage certificate or civil union license. If the marriage was less than one year before the death, you'll also need certified birth certificates for any children born of the marriage to satisfy the statutory exemption.

Dependent children under 18: Certified birth certificates listing the TRS member as a parent.

Children ages 18-22: Official verification of full-time student enrollment at an accredited institution.

Disabled adult children: Physician-certified medical evidence of an unmarried child's qualifying physical or mental impairment, showing that it prevents substantial gainful activity and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months (or is expected to result in death), plus the member's final federal tax return showing the child as a dependent.

Dependent parents: Federal tax returns and financial records proving they received at least 50% of their support from the member in the 12 months before death.

Filing the Application

Once you have the claim packet and your supporting documents, you submit through one of three channels: the secure MyTRSIL online portal at trsil.org, by fax to (217) 753-0964, or by mail to TRS headquarters at 2815 W. Washington Street, PO Box 19253, Springfield, IL 62794-9253.

Along with the Survivor Benefits Application itself, you'll complete:

• IRS Form W-4P (for federal tax withholding on monthly annuity payments) or IRS Form W-4R (for lump-sum withholding)
• Direct Deposit Depository Agreement (to set up monthly annuity deposits)

The Election Choice

If you're an eligible dependent beneficiary, the claim packet includes a formal election choice document. You must choose between two packages:

Package 1 (Lump Sum Only): A single higher lump-sum payment with no ongoing monthly annuity.

Package 2 (Lump Sum Plus Monthly Annuity): A $1,000 lump sum divided by the number of beneficiaries, combined with a monthly survivor annuity for the period permitted by the beneficiary's category.

This election is binding. Take time to understand both options before signing.

What About the Beneficiary Designation Form?

The Beneficiary Designation form (sometimes referenced as Form 100) is the document the member filed with TRS before death, naming who should receive benefits. You don't file it — it's already on record. If no form is on file, TRS pays a beneficiary refund to a surviving spouse or civil union partner, or if there is none, to the estate; survivor benefits go to an eligible dependent, or if there is none, to the estate. If named beneficiaries have died, TRS checks any alternate designations and applies the relevant beneficiary rules; do not assume all benefits automatically go to the estate.

Our TRS Illinois Survivor Benefits Guide walks through each step of the claim process in detail, including how to handle QILDRO complications, what to do when a beneficiary form is outdated, and how to track your claim status.

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