Individual Counseling

It is advisable to schedule an individual counseling session at least three years before you plan to retire and again six to 12 months from retirement. These sessions are available by videoconference, teleconference or in person. Regardless of the meeting format, an STRS Ohio benefits counselor will review the following during this appointment:

  • Personal account information
  • A retirement estimate
  • STRS Ohio retirement benefits
  • Retirement application processes and deadlines
  • Health care coverage information (for Defined Benefit Plan and Combined Plan participants)

Available Appointment Times

  • Monday–Thursday, between 7:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. (during the school year);
  • Monday–Thursday, between 7:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. (during July and August);
  • Friday, between 7:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. (year round); and
  • Evening appointments are available during the school year.

Scheduling Your Appointment

There are two ways to schedule your appointment:

Appointment Resources

During an STRS Ohio benefits counseling appointment, a benefits counselor will prepare and review your retirement benefit estimate, benefits information and retirement application processes and deadlines. The resources below provide additional STRS Ohio benefit and retirement-related information. It may be helpful to review this information before your benefits counseling appointment so that the benefits counselor can address any questions you may have. Resources are grouped based on the STRS Ohio retirement plan you are enrolled in. It is recommended that you view the Retirement Benefits presentation in advance of your appointment. This presentation covers details about the monthly benefit payment, death benefits, reemployment restrictions and other important information.

Retirement Benefits Presentations

Defined Benefit Plan Resources

Additional benefit recipient information can be found here.

Defined Contribution Plan Resources

Additional benefit recipient information can be found here.

Combined Plan Resources

Additional benefit recipient information can be found here.