The Comptroller's Office was created by the Constitutional Convention of 1970 as an expanded replacement for the Office of the Auditor of Public Accounts. The Office of the Comptroller traces its ancestry to 1799 when an auditor of public accounts was established under the jurisdiction of the Northwest Territory. Elijah Conway Berry served as Auditor of Public Accounts when Illinois was a territory of the United States and continued his duties as Auditor when Illinois became a state in 1818. Berry's successor, James Stapp, took office when he was only 27 years of age.

Several colorful personalities held the office during the 19th century. James Shields, who served from 1841 to 1843, challenged Abraham Lincoln to a duel over unflattering newspaper editorials he attributed to Lincoln. The conflict between the two state officials was resolved before any bloodshed occurred, but the incident serves as an interesting footnote in the history of the office. The office existed under the name Auditor of Public Accounts until the state's first elected Comptroller took the oath of office in early 1973.

In 1970, Illinois' latest constitution established the Comptroller as an elected officer in the Executive Branch of state government. Illinois citizens select the state's Comptroller in statewide elections. By law, the Comptroller is the state's Chief Fiscal Control Officer, responsible for the legal, efficient, and effective operations of state government.

Illinois' first Comptroller, George W. Lindberg, was inaugurated in January 1973. By July 1974, he had initiated the Office's first automated accounting system. Comptroller Lindberg vitalized the office by providing understandable explanations of complex fiscal issues. Following Lindberg, nine individuals have served as Comptroller: Michael J. Bakalis served from 1977 to 1979, Roland W. Burris from 1979 to 1991, Dawn Clark Netsch from 1991 to 1995, Loleta A. Didrickson from 1995 to 1999, Dan Hynes from 1999 to 2011, Judy Baar Topinka from 2011 to 2014, and Leslie Munger from 2015 to 2016. Susana A. Mendoza was elected to the office in 2016.

Social Security provides financial protection for our nation’s people, supporting Americans throughout all of life’s journeys.

We administer retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits, and enroll individuals in Medicare. We also provide Social Security Numbers, which are unique identifiers needed to work, handle financial transactions, and determine eligibility for certain government services.

Looking towards retirement

Social Security provides retirement income for almost every American worker. We also administer Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to some individuals 65 and older who have limited income and resources.

When health affects your ability to work or a child’s daily activities

When you have a medical condition that affects your ability to work for twelve months or longer, or if your medical condition is expected to end in death, Social Security may be able to provide support. For children, we may be able to provide support if they have a condition that significantly affects their daily activities.

We administer two disability-related programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While SSDI and SSI have different work and financial rules in order to qualify, at the core, both benefits are intended to provide financial support to individuals who are disabled.

Surviving a family loss

The death of a loved one can bring financial uncertainty and challenges for surviving spouses and children. Social Security administers Survivor benefits to widows, widowers, minor children, and some disabled adult children who have experienced the death of a spouse or parent. In addition to monthly payments, individuals may also be eligible for a one-time payment of $255, called the Lump Sum Death Payment, immediately following the loss of a spouse or parent.

Navigating marriage and divorce

Both marriage and divorce can have significant effects on short- and long-term life plans, choices, and financial goals. Social Security provides assistance in changing your name and provides Spousal, Survivor, and Family benefits to certain spouses, widows, and divorced spouses and widows based on factors such as age, length of the marriage, and the presence of a disability.