Payment of Benefits

STRS Ohio Issues “Partial” Benefit Payments

To apply for service retirement, complete and submit a Service Retirement Application through your Online Personal Account at least three months, but no more than 12 months, before your retirement date. To access the online application, log in to your Online Personal Account, select “Member Information” from the top menu and then select “Apply for Service Retirement” under Useful Links. To register for or log in to your online account, click here.

If your fully completed Service Retirement Application is submitted to STRS Ohio at least 30 days before your retirement date, STRS Ohio may issue a benefit payment on your retirement date. If the actual benefit amount is not calculated by your retirement date, a partial payment may be issued.

Once exact information is available, any balance due will be retroactive to your effective date of retirement and paid as a catch-up payment, which is the difference paid to you after receiving partial payments and before your regular payments begin. Benefits are automatically deposited to your bank account on the first banking day of each month. No partial payments or regular payments will be issued if STRS Ohio is waiting for clarification of a court order providing for payment of a continuing benefit to a former spouse after the member's death. Most members receive three or more partial payments.

Your benefit is final on your effective date of retirement. At this time, your account is cashed out and you cannot change your decision to begin taking your benefit.