Resources: The Web's Best

resourcesSURS

• SURS is the State Universities Retirement System. It is one of five retirement systems for teachers and public employees in Illinois. Its site is extremely information-packed. Here is just a sampling:

• If you are within five years of retirement, you may want to meet with a retirement counselor.

• If you are wondering if you have enough money to retire, the SURS Benefit Estimator may be helpful.

• If you need quick access to a form, click here.

• If you want to know when your retirement check will be deposited, you may want to review the SURS calendar.

resourcesIFT

• IFT is the Illinois Federation of Teachers, our state affiliate. College and university faculty and staff belong to IFT, as well as others, such as health care professionals. Here are highlights of the IFT web page:

• IFT Web Page

• Legislative Update comes out once a week while Illinois' General Assembly is in session and summarizes what happened to bills and other legislative issues.

• IFT on the Issues includes info on topics of interest to higher education faculty and staff.

• The IFT's higher ed section pulls together nine goals -- including free tuition for dependents of retirees. In addition, the IFT lists 13 goals for pensions and insurance. Read the IFT legislative goals.

resourcesAFT

• AFT is the American Federation of Teachers, our national affiliate. Our parent union is concerned with national legislative and professional issues.

• AFT Retirees is an excellent weekly electronic newsletter with the latest news about retirement and retirees from health and pensions to benefits and travel (20 issues a year). Click to register.

• Member Benefits-Plus provides you with discounts on goods and services. If you are teaching after retirement, consider the Million-Dollar Occupational Liability Insurance Program and Legal Action Trust.

• LeaderNet. This web site is available to members only. If you want access to this rich resource, we will help expedite your registration. Just tell us!

resourcesMORE

• MI -- Medicare Interactive -- walks you through your rights under Medicare. Click to register.

• MRC or Medicare Rights Center, calling itself "Your Guide Through the Medicare Maze," this site uses an advice-column format ('Dear Marci' for MRC) to sort out issues. Sign up for the free, helpful e-newsletters, too.

• ARA or Alliance for Retired Americans: Click to see this site.

• SUAA or State University Annuitants Association: Click to see this site.

• SUCSS or State Universities Civil Service System: Click to see this site.