For members enrolled in the: DB Defined Benefit Plan DC Defined Contribution Plan CO Combined Plan

Applying for Benefits

How to apply for service retirement benefits

You can complete and submit your Service Retirement Application by logging in to your Online Personal Account and clicking the “Member Information” tab and then clicking “Apply for Service Retirement” under the Useful Links section. The application offers step-by-step instructions, can be completed at your own pace and allows you to view and print a summary of your selections. You can also save your progress and return later to complete and submit the application, allowing you to make changes prior to submitting.

CO Plan: There are separate applications for the defined benefit and defined contribution portions of your account and you must file a separate application for each portion. The account(s)/portion(s) you are eligible to submit a retirement application for will be shown on the initial screen of the application. You will have the option to complete both online applications (if eligible) one after the other, or to complete one application and complete the other application at a later date.

The application should be completed at least three months, but no more than 12 months, before your retirement date. Your employer will be notified of your retirement the latter of when you submit your application or two months before your retirement date. If your fully completed application is received by STRS Ohio at least 30 days before retirement date, STRS Ohio may issue a benefit payment on your retirement date. For more information, check out our Payment of Benefits page.

DC Plan: Your benefit is final on your effective date of retirement. At this time, your account is cashed out and you cannot change your decision to begin taking your benefit.

CO Plan: The defined benefit portion of your benefit is final on the 15th of the month of the first regular benefit payment. The defined contribution portion is final on the retirement date.

If you are eligible to enroll in the STRS Ohio Health Care Program, you have 31 days to request enrollment from the latter of: your retirement date or the first of the month following receipt of your retirement application. Coverage will begin on your retirement date or the first of the month following receipt of your retirement application, whichever is later.

STRS Ohio recommends the following guidelines be used when applying for retirement:

Six to 12 months before retirement

Schedule a benefits counseling appointment.
Request a recalculation of your service retirement estimate.
Schedule meetings with your personal retirement planning advisors.

Three to 12 months before retirement

Read the Service Retirement and Plans of Payment brochure.
Complete and submit a Service Retirement Application.
Finalize plans to purchase service credit.
Review STRS Ohio reemployment guidelines.
Notify your employer of your intent to retire.

For additional information or if you have questions, call us at 888‑227‑7877 (toll-free) or send us an email.

How to apply for disability benefits

DC Plan: Disability benefits are limited to the value of the member’s account. Members who become disabled before age 50 may elect to withdraw their account.

The member should apply for disability benefits in a timely manner to avoid exhausting sick leave before the application process is complete. If the member is also contributing to OPERS and/or SERS, the application must be filed with the retirement system where the member has the most service credit. Due to the number of different review processes, members should allow at least four to six months for consideration of a disability application. Listed below are the steps to follow when applying for disability benefits.

Member contacts us to request a disability application packet, which includes the following:
- Disability Benefit Application
- Report by Employer
- Attending Physician’s Report
- Disability Benefit Application Checklist
- Questions and Answers booklet
All forms included in the packet must be completed and received by STRS Ohio before processing of your application begins. The Report by Employer should be returned to STRS Ohio by the employer with a copy of your most recent official job description. The applicant’s physician is also responsible for submitting medical evidence including hospital records or test results from the last 12 months that support the disabling condition.
For a condition to be evaluated as part of the disability application process, a current report from your treating physician (M.D. or D.O.) must be received with the application packet. The physician must certify on the report that the condition is and will continue to be disabling for at least 12 months from the date the application is received by STRS Ohio.

Note: The member’s spouse or a person acting on the member’s behalf may also file the application. The member must complete the Authorization for Release of Member Account Information form and submit it to us before the disability application can be discussed with a family member or any other individual representing the member.
Member is examined by an independent medical examiner and chosen by STRS Ohio. Most STRS Ohio examiners are located in the Columbus, Ohio, area. STRS Ohio pays the examiner’s fee, but not the member’s travel expenses.
STRS Ohio’s Medical Review Board may recommend a period of medical treatment for up to six months before a recommendation is made to the State Teachers Retirement Board.
The Medical Review Board evaluates the applicant’s medical records and makes a recommendation to the Retirement Board.
Disability allowance: If the Medical Review Board recommends approval of the application, the member must stop working by the end of that month.
Disability retirement: If the Medical Review Board recommends approval of the application, the member must stop working by the end of that month or at age 60, whichever is earlier. Members who apply for disability retirement benefits must stop working before age 60 even if the approval of the application is not complete.
Retirement Board determines whether the application for disability benefits is approved.
STRS Ohio notifies the member of the Retirement Board’s decision.
If the disability application is approved, STRS Ohio requests final average salary (FAS) and service credit information from the member’s employer to calculate the benefit payments. (Allow at least 90 days from the approval date to receive the first benefit payment.)
If the disability application is not approved, information about the appeal process is mailed to the applicant.

For additional information or if you have questions, call us at 888‑227‑7877 (toll-free) or send us an email.

How to apply for survivor benefits

DC Plan: Survivor benefits are limited to the value of the member’s account. Survivors of DC Plan members should call us at 888‑227‑7877 (toll-free) to review account withdrawal or spousal management options.

If an STRS Ohio member dies before retirement, call us at 888‑227‑7877 (toll-free) and report the death. This will begin the survivor benefit application process. The amount payable to qualified survivors depends on specific eligibility requirements.

STRS Ohio will then send you the appropriate Survivor Benefit Packet based on the deceased member’s age, service credit and number of dependents.

If the deceased member was receiving a service retirement benefit that included a beneficiary, you may receive all or a portion of their service retirement benefit.