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Employers Manual

Disability Benefit Program

Other Benefits
Under both disability programs, the following apply:

  • Contract status with an employer is retained if the member was employed when the disability was granted and does not resign. The member is considered on a leave of absence for the first five years. If the disability is terminated within five years, the member is entitled to be restored to the same or a similar position and salary no later than the next Sept. 1 unless the member was dismissed or resigned in lieu of dismissal for dishonesty, misfeasance, malfeasance or conviction of a felony.
  • A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of  3% of the original amount is added to benefit recipients’ monthly benefit payments each year. COLAs granted during the disability are added to subsequent service retirement benefits if applicable, but may be decreased if they were awarded under the Disability Allowance Program.
  • A lump-sum supplemental benefit may be paid to Defined Benefit Plan members annually in December if the Retirement Board determines funds are available.
  • Benefit recipients who meet certain eligibility requirements can enroll in an STRS Ohio-sponsored health care plan. Health care is not a guaranteed benefit, and STRS Ohio rules and policies relating to health care plans, premiums and eligibility are subject to change.

    STRS Ohio provides access to four types of plans:

    — Indemnity plans,
    — Preferred provider organizations (PPOs)
    — Commercial health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and
    — Medicare HMOs.

    Benefit recipients pay a premium for coverage under STRS Ohio hospital-medical health care plans. Coverage begins the effective date of retirement or the first of the month following receipt of the retirement application, whichever is later. If the benefit recipient does not elect coverage when benefits first begin, coverage can begin later but certain restrictions apply.

    A benefit recipient’s eligibility for these health care plans depends on years of service, Medicare status and place of residence. The STRS Ohio hospital-medical plans take Medicare benefits into consideration before paying medical claims. Persons who are eligible must enroll in both Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) insurance through Social Security.

    Eligible dependents may enroll in an STRS Ohio-sponsored health plan for a monthly premium.

    Optional dental and vision plans are also available to benefit recipients and eligible dependents. Enrollees in these plans are responsible for paying the monthly premiums.

    Members who have questions about STRS Ohio health care should call the Member Services Center toll-free at 1-888-227-7877.