Applying for a Service Benefit

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

Six to 12 Months Before Retirement

• Schedule an individual conference with an STRS Ohio benefits counselor.
• Request a recalculation of your service retirement estimate.
• Schedule meetings with your retirement planning advisors.

Three to 12 Months Before Retirement

• Read the Service Retirement and Plans of Payment and Partial Lump-Sum Option Plan brochures.
• Request and file a Service Retirement Application.
• Finalize plans to purchase credit.
• Review STRS Ohio reemployment guidelines.
• Notify your employer of your intent to retire.

Completing the Service Retirement Application
STRS Ohio has an online presentation to help guide you through the completion of the Service Retirement Application section by section. The presentation addresses a lot of commonly asked questions about completing the application; however, you are still encouraged to carefully read the printed instructions and the frequently asked questions booklet that accompany the Service Retirement Application.

STRS Ohio has also developed a frequently asked questions booklet to help you complete your Service Retirement Application.

On the Service Retirement Application, you will be asked to select a plan of payment for retirement benefits. Each plan provides lifetime benefits for you. You will also be asked to indicate on the retirement application if you wish to enroll in the STRS Ohio Optional Health Care Program. If you indicate “yes,” STRS Ohio will mail information about eligible plans. Health care coverage begins on the effective date of retirement or the month after you file the retirement application, whichever is later.

For additional information, or if you have questions, contact STRS Ohio via e-mail or toll-free at 1-888-227-7877. Please note that e-mail submissions on this site are unsecured, so only include your name and the last four digits of your Social Security number with your message.