Applying For A Disability Benefit

If you qualify for a disability benefit contact STRS Ohio toll-free at 1-888-227-7877 to have a Disability Benefits Application Packet sent to you.

The member should apply for disability benefits in a timely manner to avoid exhausting sick leave before the application process is complete. (Due to the number of different review processes, members should allow at least four to five months for consideration of a disability benefit application.) Listed below are the steps to follow when applying for disability benefits:

1. Member contacts STRS Ohio to request a disability benefits application packet, which includes the following:

   • Disability Benefit Application

   • Report by Employer for a Disability Benefit Applicant

   • Attending Physician’s Report

   • Disability Application Checklist

   • Questions-and-Answers booklet

   • Disability Applicant Planner

   • Authorization for Release of Retirement Account Information
     

2. All forms included in the packet must be completed, except the optional Authorization for Release of Retirement Account Information form. A large, postage-paid envelope addressed to STRS Ohio is enclosed for returning the application, a recent job description and the Attending Physician’s Report. A separate, smaller envelope is enclosed for the Report by Employer for a Disability Benefit Applicant form, which should be returned to STRS Ohio by the employer.

   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 Retirement Account Information form and submit it to STRS Ohio before the disability application can be discussed with a family member or any other individual representing the member.

3. Member is examined by an independent medical examiner located in the Columbus area and chosen by STRS Ohio. STRS Ohio pays the examiner’s fee, but not travel expenses.

4. STRS Ohio’s Medical Review Board evaluates the applicant’s medical records and makes a recommendation to the State Teachers Retirement Board.

5. If the Medical Review Board recommends approval of the application, the member must stop working by the end of that month.

6. Retirement Board determines whether the application for disability benefits is approved.

7. STRS Ohio notifies the member of the Retirement Board’s decision.

8. If the disability benefit application is approved, STRS Ohio requests final average salary 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.)

9. If the disability application is not approved, information about the appeal process will be mailed to the applicant.

For additional information about the disability process 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.