SURS and Social Security

View the NIU Pension Reform Information Website

Federal Social Security does not cover Governors State University employees eligible for SURS because the University does not contribute to the Social Security System. No Social Security taxes are withheld from your earnings. The only way to receive Social Security retirement benefits is if you have worked for other employers who have contributed to the Social Security System. However, under the Social Security law, there are two ways your SURS pension may affect or reduce any Social Security benefit. Please carefully read the Statement Concerning Your Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security. For further information about Social Security contact their website www.ssa.gov.

Please Note: Federal Social Security does not cover Governors State University employees eligible for SURS. Therefore, no Social Security taxes are withheld from earnings. However, persons hired on or after April 1, 1986, are subject to withholding of the Federal Medicare tax, which amounts to 1.45% of Medicare eligible salary. For further information, please read the Statement Concerning Your Employment in a Job Not Not Covered by Social Security.