As a new member of STRS Ohio, you have an important decision to make during the next few months. The State Teachers Retirement Board has established three retirement plan options for you to choose from: a Defined Benefit Plan, a Defined Contribution Plan and a Combined Plan. As a new member, you have 180 days from your first day of paid service to select an STRS Ohio retirement plan option. If you do not make a choice by this date, you will automatically participate in STRS Ohio’s Defined Benefit Plan as long as you teach in Ohio.

To help you with your decision, we have put together a plan selection packet. (If you do not receive one within three weeks of your first date on your school’s payroll, please call us toll-free at 1-888-227-7877 to request a packet.) As you read through the packet, you will discover that each plan offers unique features to STRS Ohio members working full time or part time.

STRS Ohio recognizes that new members may be uncertain of their career plans or retirement goals. That’s why we offer those who select the Defined Contribution or Combined Plan the opportunity to reselect their retirement plan in their fifth year of membership. This “switch” option may be particularly beneficial to you if you are unsure about the amount of time you will teach in Ohio.

As you make your choice, our staff is standing by to help. If you have questions about STRS Ohio benefits and services, please call us toll-free at 1-888-227-7877, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, STRS Ohio has contracted with Nationwide Retirement Solutions (NRS) to provide investment advice for the defined contribution accounts. You can talk with an NRS retirement specialist by calling toll-free 1-866-332-3342 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We look forward to working with you.

Frequently Asked Questions
Investment Choices
STRS Ohio Services