Skip to main content

JRS members have recently been targeted by a variety of phishing scams, including emails, phone calls, and text messages that attempt to impersonate or imply affiliation with JRS.

Emails
The fraudulent emails may provide links, including DocuSign, and allege to provide the member with the option to sign up and receive their monthly JRS benefit payments four days early by providing personal financial information, including bank account information.  JRS does not offer an early benefit payment option or request personal or banking information by email or use of DocuSign.  Please note that our emails are always sent from an srs.illinois.gov email address.

Phone calls and Text messages
Several members have recently reported receiving unsolicited phone calls and text messages from individuals claiming to be associated with JRS.  These individuals initially contact the member by phone call or text message and attempt to set up counseling appointments with the member, generally through a follow-up email and/or text message.  These phone calls have been received on State landlines and State issued cell phones.  JRS does not contract with anyone outside of the agency to contact members about retirement counseling appointments or other financial services. JRS does not cold call members for retirement consultations, and only schedules retirement counseling appointments at the request of the member.

If you receive a suspicious email, call, or text message that purports to be JRS that you suspect is a scam, please report this activity to the JRS call center at 217-785-7444. Information that you provide can help JRS prevent and detect schemes that impact our members. 

Tier 2 Disability Benefits

If you become disabled and unable to perform the duties of your position, you may receive disability benefits at any age which will partially replace your working income.

Tier 2 Temporary Disability Benefits

Temporary Total Disability Benefits

To qualify for this benefit, you must have at least two years of service as a judge, and your disability must occur while you are a judge. The Board of Trustees must determine that you are totally disabled and temporarily unable to perform the duties of a judge. You cannot be engaged in any form of gainful occupation during the disability.

While you are receiving temporary total disability benefits, your JRS account is credited with service as if you remained on the bench through the end of your current term.

The disability benefit is reduced by any amount received under the Workers' Compensation Act or Occupational Diseases Act.

Applying For and Receiving Temporary Benefits

You must apply to receive a disability benefit and include a copy of your birth certificate. The application process requires you to obtain two physician’s reports certifying that you are unable to perform the duties of your position and also requires you to sign a JRS medical release form.

Your temporary disability benefit equals 50% of that calendar year's annual salary maximum as determined by the Department of Insurance. The benefit begins on the day following your removal from payroll.

Footer