Get your retirement planning on the right track. Normal Form of Payment.Your retirement benefit is paid monthly for your lifetime, but you can choose one of two optional forms of payment. Illinois Secure Choice is a state-facilitated retirement program that makes it easy to save for retirement. Discover top-rated financial retirement planners and advisors in Chicago, Illinois. Trailhead Retirement Planning Group can help you achieve your financial goals. In general, when you stop working you are eligible to receive a pension benefit from the Plan if you meet certain age and service requirements. The Illinois Secure Choice is a mandatory statesponsored retirement savings program. When it comes to retirement savings, you can either pay taxes now, or you can pay taxes later. Information on accessing and completing the forms online can be found here.