Applying for Retirement

As a Combined Plan member, your effective retirement date for the defined contribution portion of your account the first of the month following the latter of:

• Month in which you become age 50,
• Last day of actual employment in an STRS Ohio-covered position, or
• Month in which you apply.

For the defined benefit portion, your effective retirement date is the first of the month following the latter of:

• Month in which you become age 60, or
• Last day of actual employment in an STRS Ohio-covered position.

To apply for retirement, complete a Service Retirement Application for either your defined contribution account or your defined benefit account (or both if applicable) and return to STRS Ohio at least three months, but no later than 12 months before retirement. Provided you have submitted an application at least 30 days before your retirement date, we will issue a benefit payment on your retirement date. If the actual benefit amount is not finalized by your retirement date, a partial payment will be issued. When the actual benefit amount is determined, any adjustments will be made retroactive to your effective date of retirement.

Remember, you must file a separate retirement application for the defined benefit and defined contribution portions of your account.

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.