Applying for a Survivor Benefit

If an STRS Ohio member dies before retirement, call STRS Ohio toll-free at 1-888-227-7877 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. Click here for information on service retirement benefits that include beneficiaries.