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A New Choice for Retirement Savings

Register

Begin the registration process by using your company’s Federal Employer Identification (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) along with the Illinois Secure Choice access code you received.

Need to retrieve your access code? Call (855) 650‑6913

Illinois Secure Choice Creates Opportunities to Save For the Future

Illinois Secure Choice is a simple and convenient retirement savings program for employers who do not already offer a plan. With Illinois Secure Choice, you can help your employees save for their future. Research shows that employees are more productive when they have less finance-related stress.1 They are also 15 times more likely to save for retirement if an option is available at work.2

By contributing to an IRA through payroll deduction, your employees can take control of and plan for their financial future now by using payroll deductions.

We know your primary responsibility is to keep your business running smoothly, so Illinois Secure Choice simplifies and limits your role. It can also help level the playing field when you compete to attract and retain employees.

Already offer a retirement plan?

Thank you for helping your employees save for their future. Indicate your exemption with just a few clicks.

Quick Facts for Employers

  • Registering your business is easy
  • There are no fees for employers to facilitate the program
  • Employers cannot make contributions
  • Employers serve a limited role as a facilitator

Important Employee Information

  • Their Illinois Secure Choice account is a Roth IRA
  • The default savings rate is 5% of gross pay
  • Employees will be auto-enrolled after 30 days and will begin saving through payroll contributions
  • They can opt out at any time

Getting Started

Register My Business

If you meet our eligibility criteria, you’ll be notified by the state of Illinois when it's time for your company to register.

Setup My Account

Once you’re registered, there will be a few things to set up within your account.

read more
 
  • Add delegates and payroll representatives
    We know that sometimes a little extra help goes a long way, so you can select delegates within your company to help you manage these tasks. If you use an external payroll provider, you can also add them as payroll representatives–all we need is their information and a brief explanation of what they will do on your account.
  • Create a payroll list
    Before you can add employees, you’ll need to set up payroll lists in a way that best makes sense for your business.
  • Add employees
    Once your payroll list(s) is set up in your employer portal, you’ll add all of your employees. You’ll need their contact information: address, phone number, email address, legal name, social security number (SSN) or individual tax identification Number (ITIN) and Date of birth.
  • Process payroll contributions
    After the employee’s 30 day opt out period, you’ll start sending contributions and acknowledge contribution changes whenever employees request them.
Learn More Register Business

or walk through the steps with our registration checklist

Registration is now open for all eligible employers

There's no need to wait, you can start facilitating Illinois Secure Choice today, but no later than the deadline shown below.

Employer registration deadline for

500+ employees

Your deadline has passed, register your business today.

100-499 employees

July 2019

25-99 employees

Nov 2019

Register Business

Employers love Illinois Secure Choice

This was the best state run program that's been put out there. The process was smooth, clear, well thought out, and straight forward. THANK YOU!

GlobalSource Inc

I really appreciate all the help and guidance the Secure Choice staff provided.

THE TENNIS and FITNESS CENTRE

My account representative has been wonderful explaining everything and walking me through getting set up and with my first payroll submission.

LOFTUS & OMEARA STAFFING INC

Individuals have not received compensation for their testimonial. Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other customers and is no guarantee of future performance or success.

Meet your program expert

As an employer offering Illinois Secure Choice to your employees, you want to make sure they fully understand this new savings program. Our field representative is here to help. This local resource is available to help you with anything from the initial Illinois Secure Choice roll out period, to hosting savings seminars or participating in benefits fairs.

joe_ossey_headshot.jpg
Joseph Ossey

Institutional Relationship Manager

Joseph.Ossey@ascensus.com

Joe has over a decade of financial services experience and is particularly effective at educating retirement plan sponsors and participants about the importance of saving for retirement.

He has served as a Relationship Manager with the Principal Financial Group, as well as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) with two independent firms.

Joe has a B.S in Business Management from the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Barsema College of Business, and holds his FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses, as well as the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist’ (CRPS®) designation from the College for Financial Planning. He resides in Downers Grove

Mr. Ossey is a registered representative of Ascensus Broker Dealer Services LLC, 877-529-2980, 95 Wells Ave, Newton MA (member FINRA/SIPC) and is not employed by the State of Illinois.

1Finding the Links between Retirement, Stress, and Health, 2016

2AARP Access to Workplace Retirement Plans by Race and Ethnicity Fact Sheet, based on EBRI research.