Skip to main content

SERS 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 SERS.

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 SERS benefit payments four days early by providing personal financial information, including bank account information.  SERS 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 SERS.  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.  SERS does not contract with anyone outside of the agency to contact members about retirement counseling appointments or other financial services. SERS 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 SERS that you suspect is a scam, please report this activity to the SERS call center at 217-785-7444. Information that you provide can help SERS prevent and detect schemes that impact our members. 

Direct Deposit FAQs

1. How do I sign up for Direct Deposit?

A SERS Depository Agreement form must be completed to participate in Direct Deposit. This form is available through our member services website or by calling 217-785-7444 to receive a form by mail.

2. How long does it take for Direct Deposit to take effect?

SERS updates financial institutions information at the beginning of each month. Although the date fluctuates slightly each month, generally speaking if the Depository Agreement form is received by the 6th of the month, Direct Deposit becomes effective that same month.

3. I signed up for Direct Deposit and received my first benefit payment in the mail. Why?

The first benefit payments is sent either mailed or electronically deposited. If the first payment is mailed, Direct Deposit usually starts with the second payment provided that the Depository Agreement Form is received and all information is accurate.

4. Will I receive a payment stub when I sign up for Direct Deposit?

Once your benefit is processed through Direct Deposit, you can securely view your monthly earnings statement via ePASS through the SRS Member Services website. To view your account information, you may register through our website at www.memberservices.srs.illinois.gov and navigate to the link “View PDF version on how to secure an ID”. You will find the instructions for the one-time registration process that must be completed to access your account information online.

5. When are the monthly checks deposited electronically?

Monthly payments are deposited on the 19th of each month. If the 19th falls on a holiday or weekend, the deposit is made the last business day before the 19th. Note: Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are deposited on the 28th of the month. If the 28th falls on a holiday or weekend, the deposit is made the last business day before the 28th.

6. I am receiving disability benefits. Can my check be electronically deposited?

Yes. All types of Disability benefits may be deposited electronically, including TTD benefits.

7. How do I change my account number after I have signed up for Direct Deposit?

You will need to complete a Direct Deposit Account Number Change Request form. This form is available through your Member Services account, or to request one to be mailed you can contact us at sers@srs.illinois.gov or (217) 785-7444.

Footer

SERS Contact Information

2101 S. Veterans Parkway
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217-785-7444
Fax: 217-785-7019
Email SERS

Helpful Links

JRS/GARS Contact Info

2101 S. Veterans Parkway
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217-782-8500
Fax: 217-524-9039
Email JRS
Email GARS

FOR JRS/GARS MEMBERS ONLY
JRS/GARS representatives do not have the ability or authorization to access SERS member data, or to assist SERS members.