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Employers Manual

Disability Benefit Program

Application for Disability Benefits
For either program, application must be made within two years of the member’s most recent contributing service. Application may be filed by a member or a person acting on the member’s behalf.

Application procedures for disability benefits under both the Disability Allowance and Disability Retirement Programs are as follows:

  1. The member contacts STRS Ohio to request a Disability Application Packet.
  2. To apply for disability benefits, the member must submit three items:
    • Disability Benefit Application;
    • Attending Physician’s Report; and
    • A copy of his or her most recent job description.

    The Report by Employer for a Disability Benefit Applicant is also needed, but should be sent directly to STRS Ohio by the member’s employer.

  3. The member is examined by an impartial physician. These examinations may require travel to Columbus. STRS Ohio pays the examiner’s fee, not travel costs.
  4. The STRS Ohio Medical Review Board evaluates the applicant’s medical records and makes a recommendation to the Retirement Board.
  5. The Retirement Board decides whether disability benefits should be granted. Any applicant denied disability benefits may request an appeal of the decision before the Disability Board Review Panel.
  6. A Deposit and Service Report will be mailed to the employer for completion if disability benefits are approved under either program.
  7. Under either program, if disability benefits are approved, they begin on the first day of the month following the latter of (a) the last day for which compensation was paid or (b) attainment of medical eligibility for disability benefits. If currently employed, the member will decide whether to exhaust sick leave benefits before assuming disability benefits.
  8. Under either program, if disability benefits are not approved, the employer will be notified and is required to restore the member to the same or similar position and salary.