Death Benefits

After retirement, an automatic $1,000 death benefit is payable to your named beneficiary upon your death. This is treated as a nontaxable life insurance payment, and as such, no federal taxes are withheld when the payment is made. This benefit is automatic to members who are enrolled in the STRS Ohio Defined Benefit Plan.

Service retirement and disability benefit recipients may purchase an additional death benefit of $1,000 or $2,000. This taxable benefit is optional and is funded by the benefit recipient through deductions from the regular monthly STRS Ohio pension. This additional death benefit is available when you file your Service Retirement Application. If you are under age 65 when you retire, you will have a second opportunity to increase your death benefit within the three months immediately preceding age 65.

Service Retirement Benefit Recipient Monthly Benefit Deduction for Retiree-Funded Death Benefit

Disability Benefit Recipient Monthly Benefit Deduction for Retiree-Funded Death Benefit