Retirement Eligibility Change Announced

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The State Teachers Retirement Board eliminated the age 60 requirement that was set to take effect in 2026. This improvement of the retirement eligibility requirements means that thousands of members will be eligible for an unreduced benefit at an earlier age. Effective July 1, 2022, eligibility criteria for unreduced and reduced benefits are as follows:

Retirement Dates Unreduced Benefit
(Minimum Age and Years of Service)
Reduced Benefit
(Minimum Age and Years of Service)
Aug. 1, 2021–July 1, 2023 Any age and 34 years; or age 65 and 5 years Any age and 30 years; or age 55 and 29 years; or age 60 and 5 years
On or after Aug. 1, 2023 Any age and 35 years; or age 65 and 5 years Any age and 30 years; or age 60 and 5 years

To estimate your retirement benefit, use these resources:

  • Benefit Estimate Calculator: Access this calculator, which populates with your account information, in your Online Personal Account. The calculator is also accessible on the website’s home page, but will require you to enter more information to obtain your estimate.

  • Benefit Calculation Tables and Estimate Worksheets: These documents include the factors needed to estimate a benefit under the Single Life Annuity plan of payment and can be accessed here. Note: To estimate a benefit using these worksheets, use the table that corresponds with your retirement date.

Benefit estimates will reflect the new eligibility requirements and allow you to do your own projections. The reduction factors for reduced benefits were improved in some cases and are also reflected in the calculators. Retirement projections will also be updated on your Annual Statement that you will receive in September after the completion of this school year.

The motion passed by the Retirement Board to approve the retirement eligibility change also indicated the board’s intent to review benefits again, no later than spring 2023, to evaluate whether additional enhancements are possible in accordance with the laws in effect at that time. If you have questions, email STRS Ohio or call 888-227-7877 (toll-free), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.