Illinois has the largest unfunded pensions in the United States. In 2018, Illinois owed $139.7 billion in unfunded pensions. That is 746 percent more than the 50-state average. The state has only set aside 39 cents for every dollar that was promised in benefits. Illinois unfunded pensions make up the largest portion of the state’s overall $222.3 billion debt. 

In 2019, Illinois’ unfunded pension debt grew to $144 billion and the overall debt grew $4 billion to $226 billion.