Death Benefits
STRS Ohio’s optional death benefits can help defray expenses incurred when an STRS Ohio service retirement benefit recipient dies.

Service retirement benefit recipients may purchase a 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.

To purchase a death benefit of either $1,000 or $2,000 at retirement, you must complete the appropriate section of your Service Retirement Application form.

If you are under age 65 when your service retirement benefits are effective, you have the following options:

1. Purchase no death benefit when benefits begin. Then, within the three months immediately preceding age 65 you may choose to purchase either the $1,000 or $2,000 death benefit.
2. Purchase the $1,000 death benefit when benefits begin. Then, within the three months immediately preceding age 65 you may choose to purchase an additional $1,000 death benefit.
3. Purchase the $2,000 death benefit when benefits begin.

If you are age 65 or older when you retire, your only opportunity to purchase the $1,000 or $2,000 death benefit is when these benefits begin.

Service Retiree Monthly Pension Deduction for Retiree-Funded Death Benefit

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