Benefits Counseling
It is advisable to schedule a benefits 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:
- Log in to your Online Personal Account and click on “Schedule a Meeting” at the top of the page” or
- Call STRS Ohio toll-free at 888‑227‑7877.
Appointment Resources
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
- Pension Benefits and Health Care Coverage Overview
- Medical Plan Overview
- 2023 Health Care Plan Rate Information
- 2023-24 Dental and Vision Plan Rate Information
- Overview of Dental and Vision Plans
- Taxes and Your STRS Ohio Benefits
- Online Personal Account Features
- Employment After Retirement brochure
- Preparing for Retirement brochure
- Service Retirement and Plans of Payment brochure
- Government Pension Offset Fact Sheet
- Windfall Elimination Provision Fact Sheet
Additional benefit recipient information can be found here.
Defined Contribution Plan Resources
- Pension Benefits Overview
- Taxes and Your STRS Ohio Benefits
- Online Personal Account Features
- Employment After Retirement brochure
- Preparing for Retirement brochure
- Service Retirement and Plans of Payment brochure
- Government Pension Offset Fact Sheet
- Windfall Elimination Provision Fact Sheet
Additional benefit recipient information can be found here.
Combined Plan Resources
- Medical Plan Overview
- 2023 Health Care Plan Rate Information
- 2023-24 Dental and Vision Plan Rate Information
- Taxes and Your STRS Ohio Benefits
- Online Personal Account Features
- Employment After Retirement brochure
- Preparing for Retirement brochure
- Service Retirement and Plans of Payment brochure
- Government Pension Offset Fact Sheet
- Windfall Elimination Provision Fact Sheet