Leverage the plan to maximize your income tax deferrals. The Illinois Secure Choice is a mandatory statesponsored retirement savings program.State law now requires every Illinois employer with five or more employees to offer their own retirement program or facilitate Secure Choice. How far in advance should I complete my retirement annuity application? It is generally best to complete your application 30-60 days prior to your retirement. How far in advance should I complete my retirement annuity application? It is generally best to complete your application 30-60 days prior to your retirement. Illinois has become the first state to require that privatesector employers offer their employees retirement benefits. Both the money allocated to lifetime income (secured bal- ance) and the non-secured account balance remain invested in the market.