If you have left your IMRF employer and will not continue to participate in IMRF, you can leave your contributions on deposit with IMRF, or you may be able to take a refund. There are specific criteria for taking a refund, and not everyone qualifies for a refund.
Leaving your contributions on deposit with IMRF would make sense if you are vested or if you think you may work for another IMRF or reciprocal system employer in the future.
When you take a refund of your IMRF contributions, you lose all of your service credit,
and you give up your right to any future IMRF pension and death benefits.
If your hours are reduced or you are furloughed but still in an employment relationship with your IMRF employer, you cannot take a refund of your IMRF contributions. You can file for a refund ONLY if you are no longer working, in any position, for the employer with whom you made these contributions AND if you are no longer working for any employer in an IMRF-qualifying position.
For more information on whether taking a separation refund or leaving your contributions on deposit is right for you, click
here.