Illinois Secure Choice is a state-facilitated retirement program that makes it easy to save for retirement. Illinois employers with five or more employees must facilitate Illinois Secure Choice or offer a qualifying retirement plan.Illinois Secure Choice is a simple and convenient retirement savings program for employers who do not already offer a plan. If you qualify, you may claim the credit using Form 8881, Credit for Small Employer Pension Plan Startup Costs PDF. The Illinois Secure Choice is a mandatory statesponsored retirement savings program. The Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program (Secure Choice) provides workers with an easy way to save their own money for retirement. Create a Plan Document: Outline the terms of the plan, including eligibility, contributions, and how funds are vested. Illinois Secure Choice is a retirement savings program that's part of a larger state-wide retirement mandate. SEPs are subject to minimal reporting and disclosure requirements. Under a SEP, an employee must set up an IRA to accept the employer's contributions.