Benefits & Services


The information below is a guide to benefits and services available to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign retirees.

Associations

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Retirees may join the Alumni Association as associate members by paying a membership fee. This entitles them to insurance, special events, tours, and the association’s publications.
Alice Campbell Alumni Center
601 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1471; (800) 355-2586
alumni@uillinois.edu
www.illinoisalumni.org

STATE UNIVERSITIES ANNUITANTS ASSOCIATION (SUAA)

SUAA is the organization that advocates to keep our annuities and benefits strong.  SUAA is the only organization that advocates for preserving retirement and healthcare benefits for participants in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS).  This includes retirees, current employees, and their dependents and survivors.  Membership is open to all of these individuals.  The membership fee supports both the state organization and the UIUC Chapter’s activities including its newsletters and membership meetings.  Individuals can join online at:  http://www.suaa.org/join-suaa-now.

State Universities Annuitants Association
364 Henry Administration Bldg.
506 S. Wright St.
Urbana, IL 61801
Web sites:  UIUC SUAA Chapter:  http:www.suaa-ui.org;  or State SUAA: http://www.suaa.org

STATE UNIVERSITIES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (SURS)

In addition to the many services provided by SURS, its publication The Advocate and its website provide considerable information that may be of interest to retirees, including links to federal and state agencies.

State Universities Retirement System
1901 Fox Dr.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 378-8800; (800)-ASK-SURS
http://www.surs.com

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS (U of I)

Retirement Knowledge Center

Computing Services

EMAIL

Tech Services policy is that UI retirees will, by default, have their Exchange account and e-mail access continue to be active (per our Knowledge Base article "Email, Exchange accounts" under section "Leaving the University": https://answers.uillinois.edu/illinois/page.php?id=51155). If there are questions, contact Technology Services.

1420 Digital Computer Laboratory
1304 W. Springfield Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-7000
consult@illinois.edu
http://techservices.illinois.edu/

COMPUTER HARDWARE

The Illini Union Tech Zone has a wide range of computer hardware for purchase.

Illini Union Tech Zone
Illini Union
1401 W. Green St.
Urbana, Illinois 61801
(217) 244-7938
http://union.illinois.edu/shop/tech-zone

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Please login to the WebStore to see what software you are eligible to use and/or purchase.
https://webstore.illinois.edu/shop/category.aspx?zcid=107

Educational Benefits

COURSE AUDITING

The fee charged for auditing courses is waived for those age 65 or older upon proof of age.

Registration Services
901 W. Illinois St.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-6565

TUITION AND FEE WAIVERS

All retirees are eligible for waivers of tuition and fees by obtaining verification of their status as a retiree and presenting that at the Registration Services, Window 25.

Registration Services
901 W. Illinois St.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-6565

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Office of Admissions and Records
901 W. Illinois St.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-0302

VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR RETIREES

Illinois Human Resources
52 E. Gregory St.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-2143
fax (217) 244-7304
ihr-dataops@illinois.edu

Financial Services

BENEFITS SERVICE CENTER at Urbana-Champaign

Retirees who invested in tax deferred plans during active employment (e.g., 403(b) tax deferred retirement plans or the Section 457 State of Illinois deferred compensation plan) may find Benefits Center staff members helpful in answering questions or finding sources of detailed information.

Benefits Service Center
506 S. Wright St.
Room 177, HAB
MC-318
Urbana, Illinois 61801
(217) 333-3111
fax: (217) 244-3135
email: benefits@uillinois.edu
https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits/

CREDIT UNION

The U of I Community Credit Union is open to all university employees, retirees, and members of their families and offers a wide range of banking services.

U of I Community Credit Union
2201 S. First St.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 278-7700
http://www.uiecu.org

Health-Related Benefits and Services

MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND VISION INSURANCE

Upon retirement, the administration of staff members’ insurance is transferred from the university to the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS acts as retirees’ group insurance representative liaison to the Illinois Department of Central Management Services Group Insurance Division (CMS/ GID). SURS publishes an Annuitant Guide that is a helpful source of information. CMS/GID oversees a large number of plans, including managed care plans and some administered by the state itself (e.g., Quality Care Health Plan). The State of Illinois Benefits Handbook is published by CMS every three years and provides general information describing the overall benefits. Benefit Choice Options is published annually by CMS and provides specific, current information about the various plans in order to facilitate the opportunity to change benefit providers or coverages. Following the benefit choice period, individuals receive mailings from their specific plan administrators (e.g., their HMO or Quality Care Health Plan).

STATE UNIVERSITIES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (SURS)

At retirement, SURS assumes several of the functions previously served by the university. SURS also has an insurance group and trained advisers. In addition, retirees should be aware that there is a linkage for some of them between eligibility for Social Security, the purchase of Medicare-Part-B coverage, and the coverages of their (and their spouses’) individual health plans. SURS provides notification of this matter for individuals near age 65.

State Universities Retirement System
1901 Fox Dr.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 378-8800; (800)-ASK-SURS
http://www.surs.com

CMS/GROUP INSURANCE DIVISION: CMS/GID

Can answer benefit questions or provide guidance to sources of information.
CMS/Group Insurance Division
(217) 782-2548; (800) 442-1300
www.illinois.gov.cms

The Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (Trail) – Medicare Advantage Program
https://www.illinois.gov/cms/Employees/benefits/trail/Pages/default.aspx

Volunteering

Retirees and their families are eligible to participate in blood drives and other volunteer opportunities sponsored by Volunteer Illini Projects.

1401 W. Green St.
268 Illini Union, Student Organization Complex
Urbana, IL 61801
http://union.illinois.edu/get-involved/office-of-volunteer-programs

Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services

Confidential help is available to retirees and their dependents who are experiencing difficulties such as substance abuse, relationship conflicts, financial problems, or psychological strain. An assessment and referral will be made to the appropriate resources.

Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services
1011 West Springfield Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-5312
Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services website

Well-Being Services

Well-Being Services endeavors to empower the Illinois community to incorporate healthful practices into their lives and to help create a culture of wellness that supports healthy living, personal growth, and enhanced quality of life. Our goal is to help students, faculty, and staff attain successful and fulfilling studies, work, and life.
Well-Being Services website

LIFETIME FITNESS PROGRAM

Adults 55 and over residing in the Urbana-Champaign area may participate in this program, sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health; College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI members receive discounts. The exercise and physical activity opportunities are designed to develop overall improvement in health, fitness, and performance of activities of daily living.

Lifetime Fitness Program, Louise Freer Hall
906 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-4510
http://lifetimefitnessprogram.kch.illinois.edu/

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES CENTER

The Department of Psychology offers a variety of assessment, consultative, educational, and therapeutic services. The charge for services is moderate and may be covered by insurance.

Psychological Services Center
505 E. Green St., 3rd Floor
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-0041
www.psc.illinois.edu

DIVISION OF DISABILITY RESOURCES AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (DRES)

A variety of equipment and services are provided for retirees, subject to workload and availability of DRES staff; a nominal fee may be charged. Services include assistance with adaptive equipment, consultation for those with visual or hearing impairments, functional evaluations following illness or disability, loans of some equipment, and physical therapy.

Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services
1207 S. Oak St.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-1970
http://www.disability.illinois.edu/

SPEECH AND HEARING CLINIC

Diagnostic and therapeutic services are available for those who have impaired hearing, language problems, or speech deviations. The fees charged vary according to income and family size.

Speech and Hearing Clinic
901 S. Sixth St.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-2230
www.shs.illinois.edu

Local Area Agencies

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

The Social Security Administration has a local office with advisers and a collection of publications.

Social Security Administration
101 S. Country Fair Dr.
Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 398-5399; (800) 772-1213
http://www.ssa.gov

Parking and Transportation

PARKING

Only those retirees who maintain an office on campus are eligible to rent parking, contingent on availability.

Parking Department
1201 W. University Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3530
http://www.parking.illinois.edu/

BUS PASS

The I-Card serves as a free pass to ride on any Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) bus.

Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District
1101 E. University Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-8188
http://www.cumtd.com

Recreational Activities

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Retirees may pay faculty/staff prices for athletic events sponsored by the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Illinois Ticket Office
2141 S. Neil St.
Champaign, IL 61820
1-866-ILLINI-1
email: illinitickets@illinois.edu
http://www.fightingillini.com

ATHLETIC RECREATION

Retirees and their spouses may purchase passes for the use of campus recreational facilities by presenting their I-Card at the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC).

Activities & Recreation Center (ARC)
201 E. Peabody Dr.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-3806
http://campusrec.illinois.edu/

ILLINI UNION

All Illini Union facilities are available to retirees. Tickets to events sponsored by the Faculty/Staff Social Committee may be purchased by presenting valid identification.

Illini Union
1401 W. Green St.
Urbana, IL 61801
Information Desk, (217) 333-0691
http://union.illinois.edu/

KRANNERT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Retired faculty and staff may purchase tickets to events at senior citizen prices.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
500 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
General info: (217) 333-6700
Ticket office: (217) 333-6280
http://www.krannertcenter.com

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Retired staff who are local to Champaign-Urbana area may utilize print and electronic materials by visiting the library to access the various resources.  Full library privileges for retired staff will depend upon post-retirement status and/or continued affiliations with the University.  Please contact the Library directly to confirm your post-retirement accessibility to print or online materials and resources. 

University Library
1408 W. Gregory Dr.
Urbana, IL 61801
Library Administration;  writeus@library.illinois.edu

COURTESY BORROWING CARDS

Room 203
Main Library
(217) 333-2079
www.library.illinois.edu/circ/services/courtesycards

Research, Teaching, and Faculty Affairs

RESEARCH

Retired academic staff members may be provided with research assistance on an annual basis and are required to submit a report on that work to the Chancellor.

TEACHING

Faculty who offered graduate courses before their retirement may offer conferences with graduate students providing approval is obtained from their unit head, the dean of the Graduate College, and the Chancellor.

FACULTY AFFAIRS

Retired faculty members may participate, without vote, in meetings of their college or unit faculties. They continue to be eligible for full participation in the Urbana-Champaign Senate.

EMERITUS STATUS

Retired faculty may be granted the title “Emeritus” on the recommendation of their unit and concurrence by the dean of their college, the Chancellor, the President, and the Board of Trustees. Rights and privileges for emeritus/emerita faculty are defined via Provost Communication #12, Section V. Additional rights and privileges may be granted by the dean/director and faculty of the college/school. 

RE-EMPLOYMENT

An academic or civil service staff retiree may be re-employed if warranted by the needs of the university. Retirees cannot be rehired until 60 days after their retirement date. However, there are a number of conditions that must be satisfied in order that the re-employed person not jeopardize their retirement annuity and various insurance coverages. For more information on the re-employment of retirees, click here.
Also, retirees should be aware that they would be required to meet the initial conditions required of new University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign employees. All should contact the State Universities Retirement System [(217) 378-8800 or (800)-ASK-SURS] for specific advice before returning to work. In addition, civil service retirees should obtain further information from Staff Human Resources [(217) 333-2143]; academic staff retirees should contact Illinois Human Resources [(217) 333-2137]. If a retiree is re-employed 71 days or more after retirement, their earnings will be subject to Medicare tax.

Miscellaneous Benefits and Services

BUSINESS CARDS/ DOCUMENT SERVICES

Document Services provides a wide range of copying, imaging, photographic, and printing services. Business cards bearing the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign logo are available for purchase.

Document Services
54 E. Gregory Dr.
Champaign, IL 61820
&
143 English Building
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-9350
http://union.illinois.edu/shop/document-services/business-cards-and-stationery

I-CARD

Many university retirees are eligible for a Retired Faculty and Staff I-card. The card services available to retirees are often similar to those available to current faculty and staff. For more information, contact your campus ID Center.

Urbana ID Center
Illini Union Bookstore, First Floor
809 S. Wright St.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 244-0135
idcenter@illinois.edu
www.icardnet.uillinois.edu/appPublicWebsite/idcsUrbana.cfm

MOVING DISCOUNTS

Moving discounts may be available to retirees. For more information, contact the Office of Business & Financial Services (OBFS).
www.obfs.uillinois.edu/travel

PASSPORT PHOTOS

Passport photos can be taken at the Urbana ID Center on the second floor of the Illini Union Bookstore.

Urbana ID Center
Illini Union Bookstore
809 S. Wright St., First Floor
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 244-0135
www.icardnet.uillinois.edu/appPbulicWebsite/idcsUrbanaServices.cfm