Death Benefits

Upon the death of an STRS Ohio service retirement or disability benefit recipient, STRS Ohio pays a $1,000 tax-free death benefit to a designated or qualified beneficiary. This benefit is automatic to benefit recipients enrolled in the DB Plan.

Service retirement and disability benefit recipients may purchase an additional death benefit of $1,000 or $2,000. This taxable benefit is optional and is funded by the benefit recipient through deductions from the regular monthly STRS Ohio benefit payments. For more information about this benefit, check out our Death Benefits brochure.