DIVORCE / QILDRO

A Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Order (QILDRO) is a court order issued by an Illinois court that directs an Illinois public retirement system to pay an alternate payee, all or a portion of a member’s retirement benefit, certain refunds, or lump sum death benefit. An alternate payee is typically a former spouse, but may be a current spouse, child, or other dependent. The QILDRO does not apply to disability benefits or health insurance.

A QILDRO is usually issued at the time of divorce and is sent to the member’s retirement system where it is recorded and retained until the member applies for a refund or retirement benefit. A QILDRO may also be issued or modified at any time after a divorce or legal separation has been granted.

Illinois public funds may only pay benefits to a former spouse according to a QILDRO. They cannot pay a former spouse based on a member’s judgment for dissolution of marriage or marital settlement agreement. QILDROs are different from, and should not be confused with, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs). Illinois state law does not allow public retirement systems to honor QDROs.

The following links provide important information and forms designed to assist members, alternate payees, and their legal representatives with the QILDRO process. Should additional detailed information be necessary, please refer to the Illinois Pension Code, ILCS Chapter 40 Article 5/1-119.

The publications found in the links below are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute an opinion or professional advice. PABF strongly recommends the member obtain legal and/or other expert assistance as the subject matter may be of considerable financial significance.

Please be advised only the forms provided in the following links will be accepted by PABF.

QILDRO Court Form
QILDRO Calculation Form
QILDRO Consent Form